The Courtship of Laila and Tariq

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Traces the romantic relationship between Laila and Tariq from childhood friends to lovers, separated by war, and finally reunited.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Childhood Friends Childhood Friends from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". Inseparable The Signaling Game Laila and Tariq communicate with flashlights at night. They are best friends. They protect each other.

Childhood Friends from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". Inseparable The Signaling Game Laila and Tariq communicate with flashlights at night. They are best friends. They protect each other.

Inseparable The Signaling Game Laila and Tariq communicate with flashlights at night. They are best friends. They protect each other. The First Kiss They kiss for the first time in an alley. Tariq says he loves her. But circumstances tear them apart. The Promise Tariq promises to come back for Laila. They make love before he leaves. It is their only time together.

Separated by War and Lies Separated by War and Lies from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A False Death The False Report Abdul Sharif comes to Laila with news that Tariq died in a refugee camp. It is a lie arranged by Rasheed. Laila is devastated.

Separated by War and Lies from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A False Death The False Report Abdul Sharif comes to Laila with news that Tariq died in a refugee camp. It is a lie arranged by Rasheed. Laila is devastated.

A False Death The False Report Abdul Sharif comes to Laila with news that Tariq died in a refugee camp. It is a lie arranged by Rasheed. Laila is devastated. Laila's Marriage Believing Tariq is dead, Laila marries Rasheed to save her unborn child. She never forgets Tariq. Tariq's Survival Tariq survives the attack, but is imprisoned. He writes letters that never reach Laila. He keeps hope alive.

Reunion and Marriage Reunion and Marriage from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A Miracle The Doorstep Tariq appears at Laila's door. She runs to him. They embrace. The years fall away.

Reunion and Marriage from "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A Miracle The Doorstep Tariq appears at Laila's door. She runs to him. They embrace. The years fall away.

A Miracle The Doorstep Tariq appears at Laila's door. She runs to him. They embrace. The years fall away. The Escape After Rasheed's murder, they flee to Murree. They marry. Laila feels whole again. A New Life They build a life together. Tariq is a father to Aziza. Laila is pregnant with his child. Their love is a testament to endurance.

1980s, before Tariq's departure

1992-2001, years of separation

summer 2001, after Tariq's return