Scene 1: A Strange Morning
The rays of the morning sun filtered gently through the sheer white curtains of Maryam's bedroom. The soft hum of the ceiling fan and the distant sounds of chirping birds created a peaceful rhythm. Yet Maryam, nestled beneath her cozy quilt, felt far from at peace.
She slowly opened her eyes, her head slightly pounding and her stomach twisting in an unfamiliar way. She blinked against the light, pressing a hand to her temple. Something was off. As she tried to sit up, a wave of nausea hit her with such force that she instinctively clamped a hand over her mouth.
She rushed to the bathroom, barely making it in time before she vomited. It was sudden, intense, and left her trembling. She washed her face, took a few deep breaths, and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was pale, her eyes slightly red. She splashed cold water on her face and leaned against the sink.
"What is happening to me?" she whispered to herself.
She slowly returned to the bedroom and lay down again. Her heart raced—not with fear, but a kind of strange anticipation. Was it something she ate? Or… could it be?
Scene 2: Sharing with Ayesha
An hour later, Maryam stood in the kitchen, trying to sip a little water, when Ayesha entered with a bowl of chopped vegetables.
"Maryam? You look pale. Are you okay?" Ayesha asked, concern in her eyes.
Maryam hesitated before answering. "Bhabhi, I don't know… I felt dizzy this morning and had to vomit. My head still feels a bit heavy."
Ayesha paused, her hand holding a half-peeled potato mid-air. "How long has this been happening?"
"This is the second time this week," Maryam replied softly.
Ayesha set down the knife and came closer. Her eyes searched Maryam's face. "Maryam… do you think you might be… pregnant?"
Maryam looked down, her heart pounding. "I don't know… I mean, it's possible. But I wasn't sure."
Without wasting another minute, Ayesha nodded decisively. "We're going to the doctor. I'll call and fix an appointment now."
Scene 3: At the Clinic
By noon, the two women were seated in a quiet waiting room at a local gynecologist's clinic in Richmond. The scent of antiseptic and the sight of posters showing smiling babies added to Maryam's nervous excitement.
When her name was called, she stepped into the checkup room with Ayesha by her side. A gentle, middle-aged lady doctor greeted them.
After a brief consultation and examination, the doctor smiled warmly at Maryam. "Congratulations, Maryam. You're two months pregnant."
For a moment, Maryam sat frozen, unable to believe what she'd just heard. Two months? A baby?
A tear slid down her cheek before she even realized she was crying. She covered her face with her hands, overcome with emotion. Ayesha reached over and squeezed her hand, tears in her eyes too.
"I can't believe this," Maryam whispered. "Allah has given me such a beautiful gift."
The doctor handed her a printed scan and a schedule for future visits. "Make sure you rest well, eat healthy, and avoid stress. And bring your husband next time, if possible."
Maryam nodded, still in a daze.
Scene 4: Waiting for Irfan
Back at home, Maryam rested on the bed with the sonogram in her hand. She kept staring at the little blurry shape. A life was growing inside her. A life that was part of her and Irfan.
She placed the sonogram on the side table and prayed. She prayed with deep sincerity and gratitude. As the sun began to set, she found herself pacing the living room, checking the clock every few minutes. She couldn't wait to tell Irfan.
The sound of the front door unlocking jolted her. She ran to the door as Irfan stepped inside, slightly tired from work but smiling when he saw her.
"Assalamu Alaikum," he greeted.
Maryam couldn't hold it anymore. She ran to him and hugged him tightly.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam—Maryam, what happened? Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.
She pulled back, her eyes filled with tears of joy. "Irfan, I have something to tell you."
He placed his briefcase aside and held her shoulders gently. "What is it?"
"I'm… I'm pregnant," she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion.
For a moment, Irfan simply stared at her, stunned. Then a wide, beautiful smile broke across his face. "Are you serious?"
Maryam nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. Irfan hugged her tightly, spinning her slightly in his joy.
"Alhamdulillah! This is the best news I've ever heard," he said, kissing her forehead. "Maryam, you've made me the happiest man today."
They sat together on the couch, his arm around her as she showed him the sonogram.
"It's still so tiny," he said, marveling at it.
"Yes. But it's ours. A sign of Allah's mercy," she whispered.
Scene 5: Sharing the Joy
Later that night, the family gathered in the living room after dinner. Ayesha had already guessed, but Imran and the children were unaware.
Maryam stood beside Irfan as he cleared his throat.
"We have an announcement to make," Irfan said, looking at everyone.
Maryam smiled shyly. "We're expecting a baby."
Imran stood up immediately and hugged his younger brother. "MashaAllah! This is amazing news!"
Ayesha kissed Maryam's forehead and held her hands. "You'll be a wonderful mother, Maryam. I'm so happy for you."
Khadija and Hamza clapped in excitement. "We'll have a new baby cousin!" Khadija squealed.
The night turned into a celebration. Ayesha made some warm milk for Maryam, and Imran promised a family outing soon.
As Maryam sat on the couch, watching her family rejoice, she felt her heart swell with gratitude. She looked at Irfan, who was smiling at her with unspoken love. She knew that their journey together had just begun—a new chapter, full of love, hope, and the promise of life.
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