Loi: a large, woolen shawl

Maghrib: the fourth daily prayer

Main tera: I am yours

Manay: the second season, where the seeds are sown and harvested

Mehndi: temporary, decorative skin embellishment; henna

Meri bachi: my child

Mohabbat: true love

Meri jaan: my soul

Messenger: in reference to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Nano: maternal grandmother

Pagal: crazy person

Pakol: soft round-topped men’s hat, typically of wool and found in any of a variety of earthy colors

Phuppo: paternal aunt

Puri: a fried, flaky bread

Rubab: lute-like musical instrument

Sahib: Sir

Sahiba: Ma’am

Salah: prayer

Salam: shortened Islamic greeting, meaning peace

Shalwar kameez: loose pants and a long shirt

Shareef: noble and dignified

Shehzadi: Princess

Sherwani: formal men’s wear

Shikanjvi: spiced lemonade

Shukria: thank you

Taubah: to ask for forgiveness

Taya: father’s older brother

Tere liye: for you

Teri kasam: I swear on you

Walaikum assalam: the response to “Assalam u alaikum,” meaning “and peace be upon you”

Wali: protector

Yaar: friend

Zilla: district

Zuhr: the second daily prayer

Acknowledgments

Alhamdulillah. We made it!

Thank you first to the team at CamCat Books for making my dreams come true. To Sue: on that first call, you said, “You can scream now!” and I've been doing just that ever since. To Cassandra, my wonderful editor. You’ve taught me so much about craft, and I couldn’t imagine my characters in better hands. You brought out the best in me and them, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Thank you to everyone who went into making this book real: Laura at Marketing and Maryann for a gorgeous book I could hug all day. To Asrar Farooqi, for painting my stunning cover. To Fatima Baig and Areeba Siddique for the preorder art that I love so dearly.

Thank you to my mother and my father, who truly raised me like a princess, showering me with love and comforts, yet always pushed me to stand on my own two feet. I am honored to be your daughter, and I hope I have made you proud. Everything I have accomplished is because of you. Mama, thank you for being my friend, and Baba, thank you for always making me smile.

Thank you to Zaineb, my vibrant sister. Whenever anyone asks me to think of something I can’t live without, I always think of you. To Sameer, the coolest older brother. To Ibraheem, my partner in crime. I’m proud to be your sister and so glad we’re maneuvering this crazy life together.