by Nafiza Azad
“I will petition against it.”
“You do not understand, Zulfikar!”
“The Raees sent me daily reports about you, Fatima Ghazala. She told me that you think you are bad luck. Cursed. That if you allow yourself to love me, I will die.”
“You almost did!” Fatima Ghazala folds in on herself. Zulfikar catches her before she can fall. She weeps at the memory of his gray face, his still form, her fear, his helplessness.
Zulfikar, still holding her, sits down on the divan. Fatima Ghazala feels his fire envelop them. She pulls away from him but does not move out of his embrace. “I am not so noble that I distance myself from you for your sake, Zulfikar. I do it for my own. I don’t think I can handle any more loss.”
“Death will not be denied, Fatima Ghazala. I cannot promise never to die, habibti. But before death, there is life. No matter how short our hours are or how swiftly time flees, there is life. And since there is life, habibti, let us live. Let us not squander even one second of it.”
“You do not understand,” Fatima Ghazala whispers. The memory of Firdaus, of Laali, of her parents, the memories of the Shayateen filled with the people they killed, among whom were surely her birth parents. How can she let herself be that vulnerable again?
“Of course I understand! You left me without warning. I didn’t know if I would ever see you again, if you were even alive! I was attacked and didn’t regain consciousness until I was back in Al-Naar. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t feel you, Fatima Ghazala. I thought you were gone.” His voice cracks. “Don’t you dare tell me I can’t understand the fear of loving someone. Of losing them.”
“I killed those Shayateen, Zulfikar. Their deaths weigh on me. How can I ask you to love me when I am a murderer?”
“Do you think you are the only one who has killed, Fatima Ghazala?” Zulfikar asks. “Will you not love me if I tell you of the lives I have taken in the name of protecting my people?”
“I can’t forgive myself, Zulfikar,” Fatima Ghazala whispers.
He cups her cheeks, his eyes full. “That is what makes you good, habibti. Only monsters kill without regard to the life they are taking. You are not a monster.”
Fatima Ghazala breathes out. She has been waiting for so long for someone to tell her that. She looks at the Ifrit in front of her, his beauty pronounced in the way he looks at her. Reaching out, she brushes away the lone tear that escapes him. His eyes close under her ministrations. She touches his cheeks gently and skims her fingers over his lips. She buries her face in his neck and breathes in the scent of him. She feels his heart racing in his chest.
Unable to resist him any longer, helpless against her own desire, she presses a soft kiss on his lips. His eyes snap open, and she reads the hunger in them.
“Give me your fire, Fatima Ghazala,” the Emir of Noor demands. Then relents. “Please?”
Fatima Ghazala knows that her arguments hold. He is precious to her and losing him will destroy her. She knows she should walk away from him, but no matter how scared her mind is, her heart has made its decision. She calls her fire forth, and a flame dances on her palm. “I don’t know how to tell love stories, Zulfikar,” she warns him.
Zulfikar breathes in her fire and shudders. He pulls her closer to him and tilts her chin up.
“We’ll learn together, habibti.” He lowers his head and kisses her with a heart forevers are made of.
THE END
Abaya: A loose over-garment usually worn over clothes in the Muslim world when praying.
Abba/Abbu: Urdu. Formal/informal. Father.
Adab: Urdu. Respect.
Allah hafiz: Urdu. Literally “May God protect you.” Used as a farewell.
Ambi: Punjabi. A mango-shaped pattern.
Amma/Ammi: Urdu. Formal/informal. Mother.
Angrez: Urdu. The English.
Apa/Api: Urdu. Formal/informal. Elder sister.
Asaan: Kalaripayattu instructor.
Asr: Muslim prayer performed before sunset.
Assalaam wa alaikum: Arabic. Literally “May the peace and greeting of Allah be with you.” Used as a greeting by Muslims.
Azaan: Arabic. The Muslim call to prayer.
Baag: Urdu. Garden.
Baba: Used in several different languages as a kinship term for “father.”
Baji: Urdu. Elder sister.
Banarasi sari: A silk sari made in the Indian city if Varanasi. Known for its high quality.
Beeji: Punjabi. Grandmother.
Beta: Urdu/Hindi. Son.
Bhabhi: Urdu/Hindi. Sister-in-law.
Bhaiya: Urdu/Hindi. Brother. Can also be shortened to bhai.
Bua: Hindi. Paternal aunt.
Chacha: Urdu. Paternal uncle.
Chanda: Hindi/Urdu/Punjabi. Moon. Sometimes used as an endearment.
Charpai: Hindi. Traditional woven bed.
Chaunk: Hindi. Cooking technique where spices and onions (sometimes whole, sometimes ground) are added to hot oil briefly in order to release flavors and essential oils.
Choti: Urdu/Hindi. Literally “younger” (feminine). Sometimes used as an endearment.
Chulha: Urdu/Hindi. Traditional stove made from either bricks or mud.
Deepavali: Hindu festival of lights.
Dholak: Drums. A folk instrument.
Didi: Hindi. Elder sister.
Diya: Earthen lamp.
Dua: Urdu. Prayer. Performed at the end of the Muslim prayer by raising cupped palms as if to receive something.
Dupatta: Hindi. (Usually) diaphanous material worn with a shalwar kameez most often as a veil.
Eid: Muslim festival that follows the month of Ramadan.
Fajr: Muslim prayer performed just before dawn.
Gajra: Flower garland usually made of jasmine flowers worn in the hair by Indian women.
Ghagra/Lehenga choli: Traditional Indian outfit worn by women. It comes in two parts: the tunic/top (choli) and the skirt (ghagra/lehenga).
Gulaab jamun: Dessert made from milk and flour.
Gulgula: A pastry much like a doughnut made from dough and fried. Usually eaten as a teatime snack.
Gurdwara: Place of worship for Sikh people.
Haar: A long necklace usually very expensive and made from gold or other precious stones/material.
Habibti: Arabic. My love (feminine).
Halal: Permissible in Islam.
Haveli: Mansion.
Huzoor: Hindi/Urdu. A title of respect for a person of high rank.
Iftar: The breaking of the fast during Ramadan.
Imam: Religious leader in Islam.
Isha: Muslim prayer usually performed late in the evening.
Ittar: Scented essential oil made from different kinds of flowers.
Jalebiyaan: Urdu/Hindi (singular: jalebi). Dessert made of dough that is fried and then soaked in sugar syrup.
Jali: Perforated stone or net-like screen found commonly in Indo-Islamic and Islamic architecture.
Jama: Outer garment with a flared skirt and long sleeves worn by males. Introduced in India by the Moghuls. Usually embellished with jewelry and made from costly material.
-ji: Suffix attached to a name to denote respect.
Kaba: A small square building located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It contains a stone sacred to the Muslims and is the point (north) to which they turn when praying.
Kaddu: Hindi/Urdu. Literally “pumpkin.” Colloquially used to describe a plump/fat person. Usage can be either affectionate or malicious.
Kalaripayattu: A type of martial arts that originated in Kerala.
Kamarband: Jewelry. A long chain worn around the hips/waist.
Karta: Used to refer to the head of a Hindu family.
Khala: Urdu/Arabic. Maternal aunt.
Kmemu: A word ancient Egyptians used to refer to themselves.
Koyal: A species of bird.
Kunafeh: Palestinian dessert. Cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup.
Maghrib: Muslim prayer performed right after sunset.
Maharani/rani: Queen.
Maher: The obligatory gift, usually jewelry or money, given to a bride by the groom in Muslim weddings.
Majnun: Allusion to star-crossed lovers Layla and Majnun. (Comparable to Romeo.)
Mandir: Hindu temple.
Masala chai: Chai flavored with spices.
Masjid: Muslim place of worship.
Matha patti: Jewelry. A headpiece.
Mausi: Hindi. Mom’s sister.
Meethi: Hindi. Literally “sweet.” Sometimes used as an endearment.
Mithai: Sweets.
Mitti ittar: Essential oil made from clay.
Muezzin: The person who recites the call to prayer in a mosque.
Nathni: Jewelry. Nose ring with a chain attached to it.
Nautanki: A play composed of different forms such as songs, dialogue, etc.
Nikah: Muslim marriage.
Pagadi: Turban.
Pallu: The loose end of a sari.
Paranda: Jewelry braided in hair. Usually has tassels and bells.
Parchin kari: A method of decorating houses using stones, cut and polished, to create images/patterns.
Patiala pants: A type of billowy trousers.
Peda: Milk-based dessert.
Pihu: A sound made by a bird.
Puja: Hindu prayer ceremony.
Pujari: Hindu priest.
Purdah: A barrier between men and women.
Puttar: Panjabi. Literally “son.” Colloquially used to denote anyone younger in affectionate terms.
Pyali: A small bowl that usually functions as a cup.
Qayyid: Arabic. Leader.
Raj: Hindi. Literally “royal.”
Rajmata: Hindi. The mother of the king.
Rakat: A unit of prayer in Islam.
Rangoli: Drawings made usually on floors with powdered color during Hindu festivals like Diwali.
Rishta/Rishtay: Singular/plural. Literally “relationship.” It can mean an offer for an arranged marriage.
Sahib/Sahiba: Urdu. Masculine/feminine. Term of respect. (Comparable to sir/madam.)
Sambar: A dish with origins in Tamil Nadu. It is made from lentils, vegetables, and tamarind.
Sat Sri Akaal: Used by Sikh people to greet each other.
Sayyid/Sayyida: Arabic. Masculine/feminine. Term of respect. (Comparable to sir/madam.)
Shalwar kameez: Outfit consisting of two pieces: a pair of pants and a long tunic.
Sharbat: A drink made from fruit juice. Served cold.
Shatranj: An old form of chess.
Sherwani: A long coat worn with pants. Usually embroidered or featuring stone work.
Shubh Deepavali: Happy Deepavali.
Shukraan: Arabic. Thank you.
Sikhye: Sweet Korean beverage made from rice.
Silambam: Weapon-based martial art that originated in Tamil Nadu.
Taqiyah: Arabic. A white hat made of woven material usually used by Muslim men during prayer.
Taqsim: Arabic. A musical improvisation.
Tava: A flat metal pan used for making roti.
Tikka: A mark worn on the forehead between the eyebrows by those practicing Hinduism.
Tulsi: Hindi. An herb. Also known as holy basil.
Wa alaikum ussalaam: Arabic. Response to “Assalaam wa alaikum.” Literally “And unto you, peace.”
Wagashi: Traditional Japanese dessert made from mochi or fruits.
Wudu: Ritual cleansing of face, hands, etc., performed by Muslims before praying.
Ya binti: Arabic. My daughter.
Zardozi: Embroidery done with stones and metals (usually gold or silver).
Zohr: Muslim prayer performed at midday.
In all the languages I know, the words for “thank you” are the sweetest ones. Still, they are only words that cannot quite encompass the extent of my gratitude. I will say them anyway.
First, thank you to Allah (SWT). Then, thank you, Ammi, for everything. Seriously, everything. From the hugs to the cups of chai. For listening to me talk about my characters as if they are real people. For assuring me that I can do this. Thank you for the flowers and the love. I do not know what I did to deserve you, but I am so glad you are my mom. I love you. Thank you, Abbu, for your enthusiasm. Thank you for being proud of me.
Katelyn Detweiler, thank you for taking a chance on me. Nothing I say will ever be enough. Lisa Sandell, thank you for seeing the beauty in Noor and her people. Thank you for believing in my words and the story they tell.
Living with a writer requires a lot of patience. My brother Izaz, thank you for encouraging me. My bhabhi Robina, you rock. Thank you for the library trips. To my little monsters, Zara and Ruwaiz, thank you for playing with me. I love you. My brother Ishraaz and my bhabhi Farzana in Fiji: The conversations on Skype keep me going. Thank you. Pakeeza and Waiz, I <3 you and other cool things like that. Sabrina, my cousin and partner in foodie crime, you are my Alif sister. Thank you. Thank you, Teng, my other partner in foodie crime, for the adventures and the laughter.
Thank you, Beth Phelan, for founding #DVpit. You forged a way for us on extremely rocky terrain. Thank you to my #DVSquad for cheering me on. In particular, Roselle Lim and Karen Strong, thank you! Axie Oh and Kat Cho, thank you for the enthusiasm, the squeals, the impromptu K-drama chats, and the advice. You are wonderful. Karuna Riazi, Runa, what can I say? You are my soul sister and the world needs your beautiful words. I can’t wait until people meet Tam. Sailor Scouts forever.
Yashaswi Kesanakurthy, thank you for being there for me all the time. Thank you for listening. Janet Eastwood, Zulfikar would have been a very different person without you. Thank you for telling me the things I didn’t want to hear. I am a better writer, and this book a better book, because of you. Jane Whittingham, thank you for your enthusiasm and friendship. Here’s to more dates at Metrotown.
Thank you, Dr. Kat, my bookstagram buddy from the Philippines, whose enthusiasm for “the Djinns” kept me writing. Thank you, Ausma Zehanat, for being so lovely. Thank you, June Tan, for the GIFs and the conversation. Thank you especially to Rossi Hyunh, who has been keeping me tethered to reality since our dark days (which we shall not speak of). I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you, Jasdeep Deol, for the late-night texts and the coffee dates. Thank you for listening. Thank you also, Azeem Maamu, for your long-distance encouragement.
I have been immensely lucky to meet teachers who have encouraged me in this journey. Thank you, in particular, to Aruna Krishna, who was the first person outside my family to encourage me to write. Your words meant the world to the fourteen-year-old me, and Maggie de Vries, my thesis supervisor, who taught me so much about the craft. Finally, thank you to that professor who told me I couldn’t. Look, I just did.
NAFIZA AZAD is a self-identified island girl. She has hurricanes in her blood and dreams of a time she can exist solely on mangoes and pineapple. Born in Lautoka, Fiji, she currently resides in British Columbia, Canada, where she reads too many books, watches too many Korean dramas, and writes stories about girls taking over the world. She loves libraries, chai, and languages. She is a fierce advocate for diversity in literature. The Candle and the Flame is Nafiza’s debut novel.
The novel uses the following Fijian Muslim nomenclature: djinni to refer to the singular of the species and Djinn to the plural.
Copyright © 2019 by Nafiza Azad
Design elements throughout © Doggygraph/Shutterstock.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual person
s, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Azad, Nafiza, author.
Title: The candle and the flame / by Nafiza Azad.
Description: First edition. | New York: Scholastic Press, 2019. | Summary: Fatima lives in the city of Noor, on the Silk Road, which is currently protected by the Ifrit, djinn of order and reason, from attacks by the violent and ruthless Shayateen djinn—but Fatima was infused with the fire of the Ifrit who died saving her when she was four years old, and when one of the most important Ifrit dies she finds herself drawn into the intrigues of the court, the affairs of the djinn, and the very real dangers of a magical battlefield.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018041274 | ISBN 9781338306040
Subjects: LCSH: Jinn—Juvenile fiction. | Magic—Juvenile fiction. | Identity (Psychology)—Juvenile fiction. | Good and evil—Juvenile fiction. | Heads of state—Juvenile fiction. | Silk Road—Juvenile fiction. | CYAC: Genies—Fiction. | Magic—Fiction. | Identity—Fiction. | Good and evil—Fiction. | Kings, queens, rulers, etc.—Fiction. | Silk Road—Fiction. | LCGFT: Fantasy fiction. | Action and adventure fiction.
Classification: LCC PZ7.1.A987 Can 2019 | DDC [Fic]—dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018041274
First edition, May 2019
Jacket art © 2019 by Carlos Quevedo
Jacket design by Elizabeth B. Parisi
Author photo by Jas Deol, Black Dahlia Press
e-ISBN 978-1-338-30605-7
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