Tariq

Tariq was a boy growing up near Laila in Kabul. He lost his leg to a landmine when he was very young and through the support of his kind parents, he never lets this disability slow him down!

He and Laila are best friends as children and become ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) lovers ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) as teenagers. After being forced to flee to Pakistan with his parents, Tariq lands in prison for smuggling hashish. Despite the many trials he faces, he returns to Laila, proving himself loyal and loving in a way her husband, Rasheed, is not.

Upon their reunion, he learns of his daughter Aziza, and after marrying Laila and moving her to Pakistan, Tariq takes care of Zalmai as if he was his own son. Like Laila, he shares her desire for justice and supports her decision to return to Kabul to help rebuild the city.

Quotes:

"He was her lifeline to the streets now. He heard the word of mouth and passed it on to her."

(Part 2, Chapter 24, page 175)

"Let me marry you, Laila. Today. We could get married today."

(Part 2, Chapter 25, page 184- I ship it)

"'I thought you were dead,' Laila said. 'I know. You told me.'"

(Part 3, Chapter 44, page 340)

"'I wish I'd taken you with me,' Tariq nearly whispered. Laila had to lower her gaze, try not to cry."

(Part 3, Chapter 44, page 342- I wish he did that too)

"I know you're a married woman and a mother now. And here I am, after all these years, after all that's happened, showing up at your doorstep. Probably, isn't proper, or fair, but I've come such a long way to see you, and... Oh, Laila, I wish I'd never left you."

(Part 3, Chapter 44, page 342)