Mina is Hayat's mother's oldest friend from Pakistan. She isindependent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah'sdoorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates.Even Hayat's skeptical father can't deny the liveliness andhappiness that accompanies Mina into their home. Her deepspirituality brings the family's Muslim faith to life in a way thatresonates with Hayat as nothing has before. Studying the Quran byMina's side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels anentirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for histeacher.