Risen from dust

One

1991, Islamabad, Pakistan

Mariam gazed fondly at her newborn daughter, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment. "Isn't she beautiful, Saleem?" Mariam said, looking at her little baby girl whom she conceived after trying for years. Saleem walked over to Mariam and peered into the baby's face. He was struck by the stunning emerald green eyes with gold flecks, perfectly curled sun-kissed hair, and tiny freckles that dotted the tip of her nose. "She's perfect, Mariam. What's her name going to be?" he asked. "I think I will name her 'Noor'," Mariam said with a smile, "because she is 'the light' of my life." Saleem's face lit up at the name. "Noor is a beautiful name, just like her. She looks just like her father," he said with pride. Mariam couldn't help but laugh at her husband's comment. "Yes, I see the resemblance. I'm glad she got your looks," she said playfully. Saleem chuckled and put his arm around Mariam, feeling grateful for the precious gift they had been blessed with. "We're so lucky to have her, Mariam. I promise I will always be there for you and Noor, no matter what," he said, his voice full of love and devotion.
Mariam leaned her head on Saleem's shoulder and gazed lovingly at their daughter, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "I know you will, Saleem. We have everything we need right here," she said, feeling a sense of peace and contentment that she had never experienced before.

As she gazed at her precious bundle of joy, Mariam couldn't help but feel grateful for the miracle of life. Her baby girl, Noor, was the light of her world, and she knew that she would do anything to protect her. Suddenly, the door opened, and a short, stout man with balding hair and spectacles walked in. It was the doctor, come to check on Mariam's progress. "Mariam, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice gentle and reassuring. "After seeing Noor, all my pain is gone. I hope she lives a long and healthy life, and Allah always protects her, even when I'm not around her anymore," Mariam replied, her voice soft and filled with love. "You will always be around her! Don't say things like that," the doctor reassured her. "I know, Doctor Sahab," Mariam replied politely. "But one minute, you're living your life, and the next, you're not. We should all be prepared for the Akhirah, the last day. Death is inevitable." The doctor nodded in agreement, a solemn expression on his face. "You just gave life to a beautiful girl. Spend time with her. I will discharge you by the afternoon. Allah Hafiz, and take care of little Noor there," he said, bidding farewell to Mariam and her family. As the doctor left the room, Mariam felt a sense of determination wash over her. She knew that she would cherish every moment with her daughter, and that she would do everything in her power to ensure that Noor had a bright and happy future. "Shukria Doctor Sahab for everything," Saleem expressed his gratitude to the doctor, who was not only an old friend but also a kind and generous man. Knowing that Saleem couldn't afford the delivery charges, the doctor had agreed to deliver the child free of cost, with the only condition being an invitation to Saleem's house for a delicious evening meal. The doctor, who lived away from his family, craved home-cooked food.

As the doctor left, Mariam's expression turned somber, and she looked at her husband with concern. "Noor is not safe here in Pakistan," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Harris is waiting for a chance to have our blood on his hands. We must protect our child. We have to leave Pakistan and go somewhere Harris can't find us." Saleem's heart sank at Mariam's words. He knew she was right. His brother Harris had always been jealous of him and will try to steal away Noor and Mariam from him. Saleem had always tried to avoid him, but now, with a child to protect, he knew he couldn't take any chances. "We will leave Pakistan and go somewhere safe," Saleem replied, his voice filled with determination. "We will do whatever it takes to protect our daughter." Mariam nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. She knew Saleem would do everything in his power to keep their daughter safe

7 years ago, 1984, Punjab, Gujrat

Saleem belonged to a conservative family from Punjab, Gujrat. His father was one of the richest men in the area and owned acres of land, livestock and factories. He never believed in the education system as his great grandfather used to say "Knowledge comes through experience not by sitting in a closed room listening to a person talk all day." and thus wanted his sons to join the family business.Saleem was the youngest of three sons and was different from his brothers. He was drawn to books and always wished he could learn to read and write, but his father forbade him. His mother, on the other hand, wanted him to learn and become a better man so every day after his father left for work she called in the local school teacher to teach her son how to read and write Urdu and English. By the time Saleem was twenty, he knew everything a normal 12th-grade school going child had knowledge of. There were times when his Abba jaan, father, got suspicious of him but his mother would always make excuses to get him off Saleems' back. Since birth, it was Saleems' Abba jaan's wish to get him married off to his sisters eldest daughter because he believed that was the only way to have stronger ties with family, but Saleem was always against it as he was in love with his home tutors only child Mariam. She used to come with her mother sometimes and help Saleem learn the way of life outside his haveli which is basically a large mansion, and farming business. She used to tell him stories about her school life, how she always topped in her class and how every time a new Brad pitt movie was released she used to bunk her class and go watch the morning show with her friends in the new cinema.