Scene 1: The Clinic Visit
The morning sun peeked through the partially drawn curtains of the bedroom as Maryam gently opened her eyes. The clock on the wall ticked quietly—8:30 a.m. She slowly sat up, pressing her hand against the growing curve of her belly. At seven months pregnant, even small movements had become careful actions. Today was her scheduled appointment with the gynecologist, and as always, Ayesha would accompany her.
By 10:00 a.m., Maryam and Ayesha were seated in the waiting lounge of Dr. Nasreen's clinic in Richmond, the nearby city to Vancouver where they lived. The room was filled with the soft sounds of women chatting, babies cooing, and the faint rustle of magazine pages.
Soon, the nurse called out, "Maryam Irfan?"
Maryam stood slowly. Ayesha held her elbow gently as she walked into the consultation room.
Dr. Nasreen, a warm middle-aged woman with kind eyes, greeted her with a smile. "Assalamu Alaikum, Maryam. How are you feeling today?"
"Wa Alaikum Salam, doctor. I'm okay. A little tired, but I suppose that's normal."
Dr. Nasreen nodded. "Yes, very normal in your seventh month. Let's have a look."
After a routine check-up, the doctor turned towards Maryam with a soft smile and said, "Maryam, congratulations. It's a girl."
Maryam's heart skipped a beat. She stared at the doctor, her emotions swirling. A girl.
The doctor noticed her expression and gently added, "You seem quiet. Everything is fine. Your baby is growing well."
Maryam managed a smile and whispered, "Thank you, doctor."
As they stepped out of the clinic, Ayesha noticed the quietness in Maryam's eyes. In the car, she finally asked, "You're not happy with the news?"
Maryam shook her head quickly. "No, it's not that. I'm just… nervous, Bhabhi. A daughter. Will I be a good mother to her? Will I raise her well? Will I protect her from everything I went through?"
Ayesha smiled warmly and held her hand. "You will be a beautiful mother, Maryam. And remember, a daughter is a gateway to Jannah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that whoever raises daughters with love and care will be close to him in Paradise."
Maryam's eyes softened, tears pricking at the corners. "InshAllah."
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Scene 2: Sharing the News
Later that evening, Maryam was seated at her study desk, her laptop open and webcam on. Her Grade 9 students were already joining in for the online class.
The classroom chat window buzzed with greetings.
Student 1: Assalamualaikum Miss Maryam!
Student 2: Today's revision is algebra, right?
Student 3: We're ready with questions!
Maryam smiled and adjusted her hijab before responding. "Wa Alaikum Salam, everyone. Yes, today we're revising algebraic expressions, and we'll also do a quick mock test towards the end."
The class went smoothly, the students focused and engaged. But in the back of her mind, Maryam waited for the clock to strike 7:30 p.m.—the time Irfan usually returned home.
As she ended the session with, "That's all for today. Take care and revise well. Exams are just fifteen days away!" she closed the laptop lid and quickly moved to the living room.
Within ten minutes, she heard the familiar sound of the front door opening.
"I'm home!" Irfan called out.
Maryam stood up with an excitement she hadn't felt in days. As Irfan placed his bag on the shoe rack, she walked over to him, her hands gently holding his.
"Irfan…"
He looked at her, noticing the sparkle in her eyes. "Yes?"
She bit her lip, then said in a trembling voice, "We're going to have a daughter."
His eyes widened in delight. "SubhanAllah! A daughter? That's the best news I've heard all week!"
She nodded, blinking back tears. "Are you really happy?"
He stepped forward and kissed her forehead gently. "Maryam, the first daughter is a gift from Allah. She brings Rizq, love, and Barakah into the home. I always prayed for a daughter."
Maryam laughed through her tears. "Really?"
He chuckled. "Yes. I want to braid her hair, take her for ice cream, and buy her pink shoes."
They both laughed, and Irfan placed a hand on her stomach. "Assalamu Alaikum, little princess. Your Abbu can't wait to meet you."
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Scene 3: Late Night Reflections
Later that night, after dinner, Maryam and Irfan sat together on the balcony, sipping chamomile tea. The moon glowed above them in the quiet Richmond sky.
Maryam leaned her head on Irfan's shoulder. "I was nervous, you know."
"I could tell," he replied softly. "But you don't need to be."
"She will have so many questions when she grows up. About faith, about the world. Will I have all the answers?"
"You'll guide her with love. And together, we'll be her shield."
Maryam smiled, wrapping her fingers around his. "I want to name her something meaningful."
Irfan thought for a moment. "Let's both make a list. And then we can choose together."
"Deal," she said.
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Scene 4: Student Dedication
The next day, Maryam resumed her usual online classes. With final exams just two weeks away, her students were more dedicated than ever.
She logged in to find a surprise waiting for her—a custom banner the students had made using digital tools that read:
"Best Wishes to Miss Maryam & Baby! May Allah bless you both!"
She gasped softly. "Who made this?"
Student 4: We all did, miss!
Student 1: We even added duas for easy delivery in our notes.
Student 2: Please don't stop classes after the baby is born. We'll wait for you!
Maryam placed a hand over her heart. "Thank you. JazakumAllah Khair. You all are like my first children."
They cheered in the chat.
Maryam smiled and continued the revision session, feeling as though her life, once filled with sorrow and loneliness, had now transformed into something fuller, deeper, and blessed.
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Scene 5: Ayesha's Reflection
After the class ended, Maryam walked into the kitchen where Ayesha was preparing tea.
"How are the students?" Ayesha asked.
"Lovely," Maryam replied. "They already made a welcome banner for the baby."
Ayesha chuckled. "Looks like she already has a fan following."
Maryam leaned on the counter. "Bhabhi… did you feel this emotional before your first baby?"
Ayesha looked thoughtful. "Yes. I was terrified. But then I held Khadija for the first time, and all my fears turned to strength. You'll see, Maryam. Your daughter will complete you in a way nothing else can."
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End of Chapter 191