How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Laila crawled to her and again put her head on Mariam's lap. She remembered all the afternoons they'd spent together, braiding each other's hair, Mariam listening patiently to her random thought and ordinary stories with an air of gratitude, with the expression of a person to whom a unique and coveted privilege had been extended. (3.46.71)
This heartbreaking moment underscores the maternal relationship between Mariam and Laila. The love between the two women flourishes once they develop a deep, mother-daughter relationship with each other.
Quote #8
[Mariam] thought of her entry into this world, the harami child of a lowly villager […] A weed. And yet she was leaving the world as a woman who had loved and been loved back. (3.47.62)
Mariam has had a tough life. She's been beaten, abused, mistreated, and taken advantage of. Yet she isn't filled with rage at the end. Instead, she feels joy simply for having the opportunity to connect with other people.
Quote #9
Most times, Laila and Tariq make love in silence, with controlled muted passion […] But for Laila, being with Tariq is worth weathering these apprehensions. When they make love, Laila feels anchored, she feels sheltered. (4.49.26)
Here's a game: go back and compare this scene to Laila's wedding night with Rasheed. Both scenes reveal a lot about the men in question and the way they express love. Here, we see that Tariq actually makes Laila feel happy. Fancy that.