Towards Hope

Chapter 16

After a few months, Kiara began to feel a deep internal transformation. She frequently talked to me about Islam and its values, and felt a sense of inner peace and tranquility every time she delved into reading religious books and listening to lectures. One quiet night, while we were sitting under the moonlight in Mr. Johnson's garden, Kiara said with eyes full of determination, "My dear husband Taym, I have thought a lot about this. I feel that I want to embrace Islam. I have found many answers in it to the questions that have been troubling me, and I am certain that this is the right path."

I said to her, "Kiara, are you serious? I am very happy with your decision." I found myself embracing her, tears of joy streaming down my face. I then kissed her head and forehead and said, "This is a big and important decision, and I am here to support you every step of the way. I am proud of you and happy that you have found peace and truth." Kiara, with eyes sparkling with tears, replied, "Thank you, the best husband in the world, but there is one more thing." I asked her, "What is it? Go ahead, my dear." She said, "I also want to change my name to Waad because it represents the new promise I am making now. I chose it after a long search." I embraced her again and said, "Waad, this is a beautiful name, and it suits you perfectly, my queen, my wife, and my love Waad."

I then continued, "Are you ready to say the Shahada, my love?" Kiara nodded, her eyes shining brightly. I held her hand and said, "Kiara, repeat after me: Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadun Rasul Allah." With a voice filled with emotion and determination, struggling with the pronunciation because it is not her native language, Kiara repeated, "Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadun Rasul Allah." After Kiara said the Shahada, she told me, "I feel a deep inner peace overwhelming me," and she closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the tranquility and serenity she had been searching for.

The next morning, we informed Mr. Johnson about what had happened. He seemed happy and told Kiara that her happiness was the reason for his own, and that he would support her as long as she was happy with her decision. We celebrated this beautiful occasion with Mr. Johnson. Days passed quickly, and Waad began to feel many changes in her body. One quiet spring night, while the sky was lit up with sparkling stars, Waad felt pain in her abdomen, and we immediately knew it was labor pain. I said to her, "My princess, I think the time has come. We need to go to the hospital right away." I gently held her hand and helped her up, then took her to the car and drove quickly to the hospital. The road to the hospital seemed longer than usual, as feelings of anticipation and anxiety filled my heart.

We finally arrived at the hospital, and Waad was quickly admitted to the delivery room. I stayed by her side the whole time, holding her hand, whispering encouraging words in her ear all the way to the delivery room. The pain was getting stronger, but Waad was strong. After hours of effort and pain, the awaited moment arrived. The sound of a baby crying filled the room, followed by another cry. It was a magical moment. The midwife came out of the delivery room and said to me, "Congratulations, you have been blessed with beautiful twins, a boy and a girl." I said, "Really, this is one of the happiest days of my life." I then thanked God and praised Him. I waited a little while until they were taken to a special room, then I entered and found Waad beside two small beds containing the most beautiful babies in the universe. They were glowing with beauty. I approached and gently took the first baby girl in my arms and kissed her, then I held the baby boy and kissed him too. After that, I sat beside Waad, who was smiling despite her exhaustion. I looked at her with deep love and said, "You are the most beautiful wife and mother in the world, I love you with an endless love."

The room was filled with love and happiness, and suddenly Mr. Johnson entered the room and said, "I have been waiting for this moment with great anticipation." Tears of joy filled his eyes. At first, I was surprised at how Mr. Johnson knew about the event, but I realized that Waad was the one who had called and informed him. I also remembered my mother, so I took out my phone and called her to share the news. She couldn't hold back her tears of joy when she learned she had become a grandmother, and she said, "Thank you, God." She then continued, "Taym, my son, I am so proud of you." I replied, "Mom, I am also proud of you, I love you, Mom. I have no other mother but you, I pray that happiness always remains in your heart." I also spoke to my father, and he said to me, "Taym, you have brought us indescribable joy. I am also proud of you, my dear son."

The time came to decide what to name our children, and together, Waad and I chose the name Diaa for the boy and Nour for the girl because they lit up our lives with their presence. Days passed, and we lived our happiest moments with the twins, Nour and Diaa. Waad found raising the twins to be an enjoyable challenge, while I provided her with all the support she needed. The nights were filled with laughter and intimate moments as we shared in caring for the twins. We sang them lullabies and told them stories. I was not alone in my joy, as my parents would visit us, bringing gifts and new clothes for the twins. My mother would sit for hours telling traditional stories and helping care for the twins. As for my father, he loved to carry his grandchildren in his arms and walk with them in the garden alongside Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson felt overwhelming happiness and always said to Waad, "You have become a wonderful mother, and you bring so much joy into our lives. Thank you for this beautiful gift."

Shortly after the birth of the twins, I obtained my master's degree in psychology. The graduation moment was filled with pride and accomplishment. I stood before a large audience in the auditorium as I received my certificate and delivered a touching speech in which I thanked God, then my family and friends for their continuous support.