The beach house stood quietly under a moonlit sky, its salty breeze carrying laughter and secrets with it. After returning from the beach, the group had prayed their Maghrib and Isha prayers. The staff Omar had arranged didn’t disappoint—they served a rich and flavorful dinner that left everyone content, especially the mutton biryani that was devoured faster than it could be praised.

The men had eventually migrated into the living room, which was a cozy haven of oversized couches, cushioned throw pillows, and a large flat-screen TV. A bowl of popcorn lay forgotten on the coffee table as Omar, Faraaz, and Haroon sat cross-legged on the carpeted floor, each holding a game controller.