Chapter 1
Dania’s POV
As the first light of dawn breaks through the horizon, I wake up to the soothing sound of the adhan, signaling the time for Fajr prayer.
I woke and performed my ablution and prayed my salah, the tranquility of the early morning fills my heart with peace, feeling a deep connection with Allah.
This moment of spiritual reflection sets the tone for my day, giving me the strength and clarity I need to face the challenges ahead.
After completing my prayers, I took a few moments to recite the Al Quran. The verses of the Quran resonate in my mind, providing guidance and comfort as I prepare for the day.
فَـَٔاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثَوَابَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَحُسۡنَ ثَوَابِ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ
(So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.)
وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا لَعِبٞ وَلَهۡوٞۖ وَلَلدَّارُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةُ خَيۡرٞ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ
(And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?)
After reciting for about half an hour I closed the Quran, kissed its cover and placed it on my study table. I decided to do some exercises, having neglected them for almost two months.
Sometimes it was boring, but I needed to keep my body fit and healthy, as our Prophet (ﷺ) had advised. Sighing, I retrieved my fitness mat from the wardrobe, spread it near my bed, and began my workout. After thirty minutes, I rose and went to the washroom for my morning routine.
After bathing, I slipped into my baby blue abaya, wrapped my hijab, and donned my veil. Giving my reflection a final glance, I headed downstairs, grabbing my bag.
“Assalamu Alaikum, Ammi...” I said, side-hugging my mom. “Walaikum salaam, Nia. I made your favorite dish for breakfast... Chana Masala with naan,” she replied, handing me the plates.
“Is it? Jazakallah khair, Ammi, you’re the best Ammi,” I said, jumping in happiness. “Careful, Nia. Now go and call your Abbu and the others,” Ammi said, gently pushing me from behind.
After placing the plates on the dining table, I went to wake up my little troublemakers. I straightly went to my room to wake up Zara... she slept after fajr prayer becuase was waked up all night so I went and gently approached her sleeping form.
“Zara, wake up sweetie, it’s time for breakfast and school.” I said gently shaking her shoulder. She groaned and rolled over. “Five more minutes, Aapi,” she mumbled. I sighed and gently pulled her blanket off. “No more sleeping, Zara. Come on, get ready.”
Next, I went to my brother, Ali’s room, who was always a bit harder to wake. “Ali, time to get up!” I called, opening the curtains to let in the sunlight. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Already? But it’s so early,” he complained. “It’s time for school, Ali. Come on, breakfast is ready,” I said, pulling him out of bed.
After ensuring both were awake and starting to get ready, I went to call Abbu, who was watering the plants in the garden. “Assalamu alaikum, Abbu, Ammi is calling you for breakfast,” I said, walking towards him.
“Walaikum salam, meri beti. I’ll come after finishing this,” he said, patting my head lovingly. “I’ll help you then,” I said, plucking the withered plants from the flowerpots.
We finished watering the plants, the morning sun now fully illuminating the garden. “Let’s go, Abbu,” I said, handing him the watering can. We walked together towards the dining room, the aroma of Chana Masala filling the air.
As we entered, Zara and Ali came tumbling down the stairs, their voices rising in a familiar bickering. “He took my pencil!” Zara exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Ali. “I did not! You lost it!” Ali retorted, crossing his arms.
“Enough, both of you,” Ammi said, her voice firm but gentle. “Come to the table and eat without bickering. You’ll be late for school.”
Abbu smiled at them, “Come on, my little ones, let’s have a peaceful breakfast.”
We all settled around the table, the delicious Chana Masala and warm naan a welcome sight. I took a bite, the flavors bursting in my mouth. “Jazakallah khair, Ammi, this is delicious,” I said, offering her a grateful smile.
“Alhamdulillah,” she replied, her eyes twinkling. “Eat well, everyone.”
Zara and Ali, though still a little grumpy, began to eat, their bickering momentarily forgotten. The atmosphere was calm and warm, filled with the simple joy of a family sharing a meal. I watched them, feeling a sense of contentment. These little moments, the everyday routines, were the ones that truly mattered.
After a satisfying breakfast, it was time for school and college. “Assalamu alaikum Ammi Allah Hafiz,” I said, kissing her forehead. Ali and Zara echoed my greetings.
“Walaikum salaam, my dears. May Allah protect you all,” Ammi replied, her eyes filled with love.
Abbu ushered us towards the car. “Alright, let’s get going. Ali and Zara, you’re first, then Dania.”
We piled into the car, Ali and Zara settling in the back while I took the front passenger seat. As Abbu started the engine, the familiar bickering resumed.
“You’re kicking my seat!” Zara complained, nudging Ali with her elbow.
“I’m not! You’re the one taking up all the space,” Ali retorted, pushing back.
“Children, please,” Abbu sighed, glancing at them through the rearview mirror. “We’re going to be late if we keep this up.”
“But Abbu, she’s messing with my notes!” Ali insisted, holding up a crumpled piece of paper.
“I didn’t! You left them on my side,” Zara countered, crossing her arms. “And anyway, you’re always studying. It’s so boring.”
“Alright, alright,” I intervened, turning to face them. “Zara, just scoot over a little. Ali, try to keep your notes safe. We’re all in a hurry, so let’s try to be nice to each other.”
“Fine,” Zara mumbled, adjusting her position.
“Whatever,” Ali grumbled, carefully smoothing out his notes.
“See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?” I said, smiling at them. “Now, let’s talk about something else. Ali, how’s your preparation for the board exams going?”
Ali perked up. “It’s intense, Aapi. But I think I’m on track. I’m focusing on my physics and math, especially. I have a mock test next week.”
“That’s good, Ali. Just remember to take breaks and don’t stress too much,” I said. “Zara, how’s your 10th grade going? Are you ready for the crucial year?”
Zara rolled her eyes. “It’s okay. A lot of pressure, especially with all the syllabus. I’m trying to focus on my sciences, but history is killing me.”
“Remember, Zara, consistency is key,” Abbu said, glancing at her. “Even a little bit of studying every day can make a big difference.”
As we approached Zara and Ali’s school, the atmosphere in the car was much more peaceful. “Have a good day, you two,” Abba said, as they hopped out of the car.
“Allah Hafiz, Abbu! Allah Hafiz, Aapi!” they chorused, waving as they ran towards the school gates.
“Now, it’s just you and me, Dania,” Abbu said, smiling at me. “How are your business studies going?”
“Alhamdulillah, everything is going well,” I replied. “I have a big presentation next week on strategic market analysis, but I’m feeling prepared. I’m just a bit nervous about the Q&A session.”
“That’s good to hear,” Abbu said. “Just remember, Allah is always with you. Do your best, and leave the rest to Him. You have a sharp mind for business, Dania, and you’ll do wonderfully. Just remember to be confident and speak clearly.”
“Jazakallah khair, Abbu,” I said, feeling a surge of gratitude. “I’ll remember that.”
We continued our journey to my college, the quiet conversation filled with the warmth of our father-daughter bond. As we reached the college gates, I gave Abbu a final hug. “See you later, Abbu. Assalamu alaikum, Allah Hafiz”
“Walaikum salaam, beti. May Allah bless you,” he replied, watching as I walked towards the entrance.
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