A Union of Hearts

1. New day, new opportunities

Mirha's POV

The water was too cold to perform wudhu, but I had to do it bravely. No matter how hot it is throughout the day, the water is always cold during Fajr time. I wonder if it is only in my house or does it happen in other people's homes too.

Keeping aside all these thoughts, I quickly made wudhu, spread the prayer mat and stood for prayer. After the prayer, I walked out of my room and into my Ammi's room to see her sitting on the prayer mat, her eyes closed and her hands raised out for dua.
I didn't want to disturb her so I quietly walked back to my room.

I saw Irha sleeping once I entered our room. It was that time of the month for her due to which she didn't have to pray. I usually read Qur'an for sometime after praying Fajr, but today I was very sleepy. I had slept late last night because of paper correction and I wanted to sleep for another two hours or so before I had to leave for work.

I had yet to give an answer to my principal regarding the job offer in Bangalore. We were going to my mamu's place today, so I would hopefully make a decision by the end of the day. In sha Allah.

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"Mirha, I've packed your lunch. Finish the whole box and don't leave any leftovers." My Ammi yelled from inside the kitchen.

"Don't worry Ammi jaan, I'll finish the entire box." I replied back swallowing the chewed piece of bread.

"Anybody hearing this would think you're a kid, Aapi. No one would believe you're going to school not to learn, but to teach." My sister, Irha, giggled from besides me.

"Very funny, Irha. Nobody laughed." I replied shrugging. 

"I laughed. That's what matters." Irha replied as a matter of fact and I nudged her playfully. 

"Okay girls, you're both getting late for college and school. Leave before you miss the bus."

"Jee Ammi." Both of us replied together.

"And girls, don't forget to come to your mamu's place directly. Once I finish the shopping with Maryam bhabhi, I'll go directly to their place." Ammi instructed while placing the dirty dishes in the sink.

"Okay Ammi, In sha Allah." I replied and Irha gave a thumbs up while sipping on her juice.

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I reached the school gate and said salam to Karim uncle, who was the watchman. He responded with a smile while I quickly entered the gate. No matter how tired or sad I am, I loved going to work. I was a teacher not by choice but by passion. I've always wanted to be a teacher and I'm finally one. No matter what my paternal family says about my profession, I'm blessed to be doing something I love. The pay is low, nevertheless, but I wouldn't trade the respect, the love and the peace I  get here for merely some extra money.

No matter what people say, I love what I do and I'm going to continue doing everything that makes me happy. Moreover, spreading knowledge is a noble cause and no other profession can be as noble as being a teacher. Less recognized, less appreciated but most needed.

I was lost in my thoughts when I felt someone pulling my Abaya. I looked down to see Ibrahim, a 7 year old kid, who's studying in Class 1. He was my friend, Maheen's student, who recognises me as well, courtesy to the frequent visits that I pay to his class and his teacher.

"I had orange juice and a bread" Ibrahim said with a toothy grin and while I caressed his hair.

"That's great, Ibrahim. You are such a good boy. You listen to your teacher very well" I responded and he nodded, cutely.

"Yes, I am a good boy. You told me not to skip meals and I don't." He responded.

I smiled at his response. I wonder if I was as smart as this boy when I was his age.
The school bell rang indicating the start of the day and I held his hand and walked towards his class.

New day, new opportunities. Let's make the best of this day. Alhamdulillah,  for another day, Ar-Rahman.

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"What have you decide about the offer?" Maheen asked me and I shrugged in response.

"I have not come to a conclusion yet. I'm still thinking if I should accept it or not. Moreover, I have to consult with my Mamu jaan and Mami jaan. Without their permission, I will not do anything." I responded while collecting all the test papers and placing it neatly in the drawer.

"I see. You've got very supportive relatives. Your Mamu and Mami, I mean." Maheen retorted passing me a smile.

"Yes, Alhamdulillah. They treat both Irha and I, the same. Just like their own daughters. We're really blessed to have them as family." I stated with a fond smile.

"Mirha, really, you are a strong woman. You've gone through some tough times but I've never seen you disheartened or ungrateful. You've overcome all your trials. I'm so happy to have a friend like you." She stated with misty eyes.

"Thank you for all the compliments." I responded with my back faced to her as I was still arranging the papers when I heard her sniffling.

"Why are you crying? What happened?" I walked towards her in concern.

I was shocked at the sudden change in her behavior. Is everything alright? Is this sudden change, in any way, related to her mood swings? Maheen was currently in her second trimester and she's lately been feeling a lot more emotional than the regular amount.

"Maheen, please stop crying. Why are you even crying?" I pulled her in a side hug.

"I'm just really sad suddenly. I blame my mood swings. I wasn't going to cry but suddenly the waterworks started" She was whining and I stiffed a laugh because I didn't want to upset her more.

"That's okay, Calm down. Everything is fine " I rubbed her back in a comforting manner where she wiped her tears.

"We should leave now. I have to go to my Mamu's place." I stated while she nodded in affirmation. The school gets over by 4PM, but Maheen and I, usually stay back to finish any pending work.

Picking up our bags and belongings, we left the staffroom as it was nearing 5 PM. Maheen's house was near to the school and the bus stop is on the way to her way. Both of us walked together talking about our day in school and Maheen was already feeling better. We reached her lane that is to the opposite of the bus stop. We bid our farewell. Maheen walked into the lane while I stood waiting for the bus to arrive.

I was exhausted and I just wanted to be in the comfort of my loved ones. With this thought, I quickly boarded the first bus that I could catch, all set to enjoy a warm cup of coffee at home, surrounded by the usual chatter of my family, that I so loved.

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