Between Wealth and Worship

Chapter 7 - A day of blessings

The first rays of Eid morning filtered through the high windows of the Siddiqi estate, casting a soft golden light across the grounds. The estate was alive with the bustling sounds of preparations for the family's annual Eid al-Adha celebration. Staff moved efficiently, setting up prayer areas, arranging for Qurbani later in the day, and finalizing the feast for family and friends who would soon arrive.

Despite the festive atmosphere, a quiet tension lingered in the air. Hassan had insisted everything would go on as usual for Eid, and everyone was eager to make the day special. But only Mariam knew the secret Hassan had been hiding: his cancer diagnosis. His illness had brought them closer, but it also weighed heavily on Mariam's heart. She moved through the estate with purpose, making sure everything was ready for the prayers that would soon take place.

The men would gather outside under the bright sky, while the women would pray inside a private tent, separated from the men as was the custom. Hassan, though noticeably more fatigued than usual, stood at the front of the men's prayer line. He greeted the community members with his usual warm smile, but those closest to him could see the weariness behind his eyes. His strength was slipping, but Hassan was determined not to let his family—or his community—see it.

Zayd stood nearby, quietly taking in the scene. He felt the pressure of the family legacy more than ever, especially with his father's health hanging in the balance. He kept a composed exterior, but beneath it, doubt and worry gnawed at him. How long could his father keep up this act? How much longer could the Siddiqi empire continue to flourish when its patriarch was slowly fading away?

Layla arrived, her presence subdued. The once-vibrant designer, now returned from Paris, seemed distant, almost detached. She barely greeted anyone, her eyes constantly darting to her phone, as though waiting for some sign of a call or message that could pull her away from the moment. The underworld dealings from her Paris days still haunted her, but she kept her past well hidden from her family. She didn't want anyone to know what had truly forced her to leave Paris in a rush.

Amina, the youngest of the Siddiqi siblings, was the most engaged in the day's events. While Zayd and Layla carried the weight of their own concerns, Amina's thoughts were focused on the celebration and ensuring everything went smoothly. She moved through the estate with a calm presence, checking in on the preparations for the Qurbani and making sure everything was set for the prayer. Despite her quieter nature, Amina was the glue that often held the family together during moments of tension, even if she preferred to remain in the background.

Mariam noticed the tension between Layla and Zayd, but didn't comment on it. She had more pressing matters on her mind. Hassan's declining health was the elephant in the room, but today, on Eid, she wanted to focus on the celebration, on the prayers, and on her family coming together.

As the call to prayer rang out, the Imam stood at the front of the prayer area outside, where the men had gathered in neat rows. The women's prayer area, a large white tent, stood a short distance away, private and secluded. Hassan nodded to the Imam, who began the prayer, guiding the congregation in unison. The men stood in tight rows, their movements synchronized, the peaceful rhythm of the prayer resonating through the estate.

Inside the tent, Mariam and the other women prayed in silence, separated from the men but united in their devotion. It was always a beautiful sight—this sense of community, of shared faith. But today, Mariam's heart was heavy as she stole glances toward the men's prayer area, her mind occupied by the secret she kept for Hassan.

As the prayers concluded, Hassan gave a brief speech to the gathered community, thanking them for their support and encouraging them to reflect on the deeper meanings of the day—the sacrifices, the devotion, and the blessings of Eid al-Adha. 

After the prayers, the family greeted guests, exchanging Eid Mubarak wishes with everyone in sight. Hassan smiled warmly, but there was a weariness in his eyes that he didn't want anyone to see. The women gathered inside the tent, some of them taking a moment to sit and chat before heading out to join their families for breakfast. The men stayed outside, shaking hands with guests, exchanging pleasantries, and discussing business matters in low tones.

Zayd stepped aside, his gaze briefly falling on Layla, who was once again lost in her phone. There was so much left unsaid between them. Zayd had hoped that Layla's return would bring the family closer, but it seemed to have done the opposite. Her distance, the way she held herself back from everything, was becoming more and more apparent.

Amina noticed the exchange between her two older siblings, but she chose not to interfere. She had always been the neutral one, preferring not to get involved in the family's conflicts. Instead, she focused on helping the guests feel at home and making sure the younger cousins had enough to do during the celebration.

Mariam joined Hassan on the terrace, her eyes scanning the crowd. The festive mood was contagious, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this year, something was different.

"How are you feeling?" she asked quietly, her voice betraying the concern she had been holding in all morning.

Hassan smiled gently at her. "I'm fine, Mariam. It's Eid. Don't worry about me."

But Mariam knew better. Hassan's words were always calm, but his body was betraying him. He had lost weight, his movements were slower, and the moments of exhaustion were becoming more frequent. But he had made her promise—promise that no one, not even their children, would know the truth.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter, festivities, and the sounds of the sacrifice being performed. The Qurbani ceremony, an essential part of Eid al-Adha, was carried out with reverence and respect. Hassan oversaw the process with the same authority and grace he had always shown, though his steps were more measured now. As the meat was divided and distributed, the sense of family unity grew stronger, but Mariam couldn't shake the feeling that this year, something was different.

Later that afternoon, as the family sat down for the large Eid feast, Hassan's thoughts drifted again to the future. He knew his time was limited, but he had never been one to show weakness. Not today. Today was for family. Today was for Eid.

As the evening drew to a close, Hassan watched his children, his wife, and the extended family all gathered together, laughing, eating, and sharing in the blessings of the day. Despite the pain and the secret he carried, Hassan felt a sense of peace. For now, they were all together, and that was enough.

But as the celebrations wound down, Hassan couldn't ignore the nagging truth any longer. His health was slipping, and soon, his family would have to face it. But for today, he could hold onto the illusion that everything was as it should be. And that, in itself, was a blessing.