Though standing again in the depths of darkness was deeply anxiety-inducing for Raihan, her books once more became her refuge. She decided not to care about what people said, because people always judge based on their own minds and perspectives. What truly matters is the voice of our own heart.

After the government announced that women and girls must stay at home, banning them from school, university, and work, Raihan and her friends suffered a severe psychological blow. They were mentally and emotionally shattered. They had never imagined such a day would come. Dreams that remained only dreams, and hands that never reached them.

It was a rainy day, and Raihan, while gazing out the window at the birds perched on the tree, was thinking about her dreams and wishes. She had no idea whether she would ever achieve them or not.

Years have passed since that dark day; the day when Kabul witnessed one of the most painful moments in its history. The day when Farkhunda Malikzada, a young, educated, and faithful woman, was brutally murdered before the eyes of the people on the false accusation of burning the Quran. Later, everyone realized she was innocent, but by then it was too late. Farkhunda, along with all her dreams, was turned to ashes in the fire.