Umeed

Chapter 2

As Noor settled into the bakery, she managed her tasks skillfully. It had been a long day, but she was accustomed to the busy routine. As she worked, she noticed a little boy, no more than six years old, walking in with a big grin on his face. He had come to pick up a cake for his sister's birthday. Noor, always eager to interact with others, approached him with her usual bubbly charm.

"Hi there! You must be here for a special cake, huh?" Noor asked, kneeling down to be at eye level with the boy.

The boy nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! It's for my sister. It's her birthday today!"

Noor's eyes lit up. "Wow, that's awesome! How old is she turning?"

"She's turning eight!" the boy replied proudly. "And she loves chocolate cake. Mommy says this one is the best in town."

Noor smiled warmly. "Well, I'm sure she'll love it! I used to help my mom with baking too. What's your sister's favorite thing about birthdays?"

The boy thought for a moment, his face lighting up with excitement. "She loves the presents and the cake, of course! And she always makes a wish when she blows out the candles."

Noor chuckled. "That sounds like so much fun. I hope your sister's birthday is as amazing as she's hoping for. And remember, it's the little things, like spending time with family, that make birthdays special." Noor then handed the boy an extra set of cupcakes. "Take these as a gift for your sister from me, and wish her a happy birthday."

The boy's face beamed with happiness. "Thank you! I'll tell her what you said."

As the boy left with his cake, Noor felt a warm sense of satisfaction. The simple exchange had brightened her day, reminding her of the joy that small, meaningful interactions can bring. Noor felt content; her dream of running a successful bakery was becoming a reality.

Her thoughts then turned to Ayesha Mamma. Noor reflected on how, after her own mother's death, Ayesha had taken on the role of her guardian with unwavering dedication. Ayesha had not only taken Noor in but had also insisted that Noor call her "Mamma," a gesture that deeply comforted her. Noor recalled a moment when she first arrived at Ayesha's home, feeling lost and overwhelmed. Ayesha had held her close, whispering words of reassurance, promising that she would always be there for her. Despite her own grief and challenges, Ayesha had provided Noor with the love and care she needed, treating her as her own daughter. This support had been vital in helping Noor adjust to her new life, and Noor had grown to see Ayesha not just as a caretaker but as a beloved parent.

Noor often thought back to the early days of their new life together and remembered how Ayesha had made everything special for her. She recalled Ayesha staying up late to help with school projects and celebrating every small achievement with grand gestures. One birthday, Ayesha had decorated the house with balloons and baked Noor's favorite cake, even though she was exhausted from work. Noor was deeply grateful for Ayesha's care and affection, which had given her a strong sense of security and belonging.

Recently, however, Noor learned that Ayesha's health was declining, and the news troubled her deeply. She had called the nurse who looked after Ayesha several times, only to hear that Ayesha wasn't taking proper care of herself. The nurse mentioned that Ayesha was neglecting her medication and skipping meals, which was so unlike the way Ayesha had always meticulously cared for Noor.

Noor remembered Ayesha's insistence on the importance of self-care-how she had always stressed regular check-ups and a balanced diet. It hurt Noor to think that Ayesha wasn't following her own advice. She felt a strong responsibility to address this and make sure Ayesha got the care she needed.

Determined to help, Noor decided to have a serious talk with Ayesha. She wanted to express her concerns firmly but compassionately, reminding Ayesha of the importance of taking care of herself so she could continue to be there for her loved ones. Noor recalled how Ayesha had comforted her during stressful times, offering unwavering support. Now, she felt it was her turn to provide that same support to Ayesha.