Stories of Life

The Aroma of Hope

The first light of dawn barely touched the sky when Fariz and his mother, Aishah, were already in their small kitchen in Kuala Lumpur. The faint aroma of pandan leaves, coconut milk, and sambal filled their modest home as Aishah, frail but determined, guided her son through the careful preparation of Nasi Lemak, Malaysia’s beloved dish. The early morning ritual had become their shared journey, a blend of labor, love, and hope.

Fariz, a graduating student of hotel and restaurant management, watched his mother closely as she stirred the rice with a gentle but practiced hand, her movements slowed by illness. Despite her weak condition, Aishah was proud to contribute to the business they had built together from scratch. She knew Fariz’s dreams extended far beyond their small home, and her heart swelled with pride at the thought of his upcoming graduation.

“Mak, rest muna, let me do that,” Fariz said, taking the wooden spoon from his mother’s trembling hand.

“I’m fine, anak. This is my joy,” Aishah replied, her voice tinged with fatigue but filled with warmth. She sat down, her breath slightly labored, and watched Fariz with loving eyes.

For years, Fariz and Aishah had worked tirelessly, waking up before dawn to prepare their Nasi Lemak for the morning crowd. It wasn’t just about earning a living—it was a way for Aishah to teach her son resilience, discipline, and the rich heritage of their family recipes.

Fariz had grown to love every part of it—the scent of freshly cut cucumbers, the sizzling anchovies, the spicy-sweet sambal, and the fragrant coconut rice. It was more than food; it was the essence of home.

The Big Day

Graduation day arrived, and Fariz could barely contain his excitement. Clad in his gown and cap, he scanned the crowd of proud parents and smiling students.

His heart raced when he saw Aishah, standing in the front row despite her frailty, clapping enthusiastically as his name was called. Tears glistened in her eyes, and Fariz felt a surge of gratitude for everything she had done for him.

After the ceremony, they headed home, filled with joy and dreams for the future. Fariz had big plans: he wanted to expand their Nasi Lemak business, turn it into something more than just a morning roadside stall. Aishah had always encouraged his ambition, and he was eager to make her proud.

But as they stepped inside their home, Aishah suddenly clutched her chest, her face contorting in pain.

“Mak! What’s wrong?”

Fariz cried, rushing to her side. Aishah gasped for air, her body trembling as she sank to the floor.

"Mom, please don't leave me..."

Fariz lost in thoughts, shed tears, and cried to his lungs. He couldn't accept the fate of his beloved mother.

"Somebody help!"

The next moments blurred into a frantic rush of phone calls, ambulances, and hospital corridors. Fariz sat by her side, holding her hand as doctors worked to save her.

But despite their best efforts, Aishah’s heart gave out. She passed away that evening, leaving Fariz alone with his grief and the overwhelming weight of her sudden absence.

The Struggle of Loss

In the days following Aishah’s death, Fariz found it hard to get out of bed. The kitchen, once filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of Nasi Lemak, felt empty and cold. The mornings were the worst.

Without Aishah’s gentle voice waking him up or her hands preparing the day’s ingredients, Fariz felt lost. The stall remained closed, and Fariz couldn’t bring himself to cook without her.