RAYS OF HOPE✔

Chapter 5

Unable to react, her body sat rigidly. Overwhelming emotions took over her. Flabbergasted, mystified, happy and excited? You name it!

As if hit by a truck of realization, she bowed down to her lord in sujood shukr (prostration of gratitude). She cried and immensely thanked Allah azza wa jal for answering her du'a and allowing her to witness a glorious day such as this.

After that she stood up and the next thing she did made them all emotional. She flung herself at Maryam and the waterworks came back again in full force.

"By Allah you've made me the happiest being on earth today better half. I'm at loss for words that can express my gratitude, my...." She couldn't continue as her tears resulted to hiccups.

"Your priceless reaction is enough my love. You don't need to say anyting...."

"No let me finish. I have to even if I'm unable to fully express myself. If you can remember, it has always been a dream since childhood. A dream which seemed impossible but now it's becoming a dream come true. Abba (may his soul rest in jannah) has always supported me. He will be like "I can't wait to see my little Maira pursuing her dream. I know you'll make me a proud father to an amazing journalist even if I I'm no more. May Allah bless you my princess." He said it as if he knew his time will soon be up and at the time I was just 13. And today after 5 years, here I am holding my admission letter which I wish he was here to witness. His priceless reaction is something I will definitely trade the world for...." Her body shook vehemently with her cries. She knew that she has come to point where she just wouldn't be able to continue to avoid digging up old bottomless pit of wounds.

They did their usual HumYam hug with Maryam who also had tears in her eyes, rocking them back and forth. "Hush enough now. He is in a better place In sha Allah and all he needs is nothing but your prayers, our prayers, not tears. And I know he must be proud of his little princess, very proud just like Ammi's face is radiating."

Ammi who has been silently watching their interaction nodded her head and wiped her tears which only brought more tears that kept cascading down her rosy cheeks.

"Maryam is right Habibty. You've made your Ammi and Abba so very proud. May Allah bless you and you too Maryam habibty. It's a fact that we truly can't thank you and your father enough. For now all we can say is may jannatul Firdaus be your final abodes. " Ammi concluded giving both the girls a warm kiss on their foreheads and then cocooned them in her loving arms.

"Ameen Ameen and you too Ammi habibty. And please no need to thank me, Humaira got this because she deserves it. Now enough with the emotional talks, like mother like daughter. And you Humairori! You made me cry in the process smudging my mascara. I won't spare you!" Maryam threatened playfully.

"Yes yes. Whatever creams your twinkie." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"By the way this reminds me. I wasn't done talking yet when your paralysed-like body stopped me."

"Are you making a mockery of me or what? If yes then sorry to burst your bubbles but i'm so not in the mood. Now spill it out." She gave her a light slap on her thigh gesturing for her to speak up.

"Ouch! You're so mean. Well I bring you good news. To start with, you're super-duper lucky to get a full ride scholarship which will cover the entire duration and cost of your studies. This includes tuition, books, room and board. Secondly I got to click the same room as yours so we're staying together and lastly we are to report at school by next week Monday which is a week from__"

Humaira didn't allow her to conclude as she jumped from the couch and started doing a weird kind of excitement dance.

"Alhamdulillah Ya Rab. This is by far the best news I've gotten this year. All thanks to you and Baba. Barikki Jiddan Mairo (I love you so much). Ammi look at Allah's divine will." She took hold of Maryam's hand and twirled them euphorically in circles.