An excerpt from my short story.

It was a beautiful summer’s day on Burneville farm. The golden rays of light shone down from the burning lamp that was nestling in the serene blue sky. A flock of birds flew by – chirping melodious praises of their Lord and then landing on the crisp green grass which dazzled in the midday sunlight. The branches on the trees swerved right and left and in all directions, as the gentle breeze blew. The breath of fresh air sent shivers in the body but left one feeling calm and refreshed. The flowers were lined up in perfectly neatly rows. Tulip, daffodils, roses and violets too - all danced with the breeze, brightening up the farm with the colours of the rainbow. In the distance were houses – big, lofty houses. The cottage-like buildings looked so classical, as though they were a setting in a movie. The roads across the other side were soundless. The occasional car would pass by; the noise of the engines breaking through natures silent moments, subsequently bringing back painful memories.

Marwa Amin sat cross-legged on the soft grass, sipping on a glass of orange squash. She was a young girl of good nature, who loved to take time out of her busy life. She loved the fact that she lived on a farm away from the hubbub of the busy urban life. It was nice to just sit and when reflect on God’s creation - on His ability to create such beautiful designs and perfect artistry.

Marwa would liken the world to a canvas, which was painted with colours of yellow and green – representing joy, happiness and ease. But not everyone’s side of the canvas was the same colour. Some parts of the canvas had strokes of black, grey representing sadness, sorrow and even evil. That was, because Marwa’s experiences taught her that not everyone lived the same life. Not everyone saw the beauty that Marwa saw every day. She was one of the fortunate ones, and she knew it. Thus, she appreciated every gift God gave to her and allowed her eyes to see.

Marwa gazed at the green hills in her view. Her light green eyes shone like crystals glistening under the rays of sunshine which were hitting her pale oval face. Her blue Hijab was wrapped neatly around her head, and her chic black Abaya swayed with the wind and her green converse camouflaged themselves within the grass.

Marwa not only loved nature, but she was a passionate reader who loved to read fictional books, especially about the life of those who suffered around the world. Marwa placed her now empty glass next to her and picked up her book which was titled “A flourishing friendship” and began to read from where she left off.

“…and that’s why they say, distance makes hearts grow fonder - because when you long to see someone who you haven’t seen for a long time, you learn to appreciate them even more. Just like Layla and Sammy, two friends who lived far apart from each other, but their friendship was so strong, so strong that Sammy’s illness, her pain, her suffering was felt from Layla who sat on the other side of the world.”

Marwa lowered her head in humbleness. Her eyes began to tear up. Oh how much she longed to be in the company of her dear, distant friend. How much she missed her father too, who had been away for many months – working in the Middle East. She wiped her cold tears that trickled down her rosy cheeks. Taking a deep breath she forced herself a smile. She had really been missing her family in the last few days. Things had changed so much. Marwa’s mother would work as a teacher in the daytime and would dedicate her evenings to planning and preparation for the next day. Her father was always travelling. Marwa had last seen her father 7 months ago and she missed him ever so much. Marwa, being the only child was as lonely as ever. She had grown up being surrounded by her relatives and cousins. But since her move to Burneville, life had changed. Then again, life took an unexpected turn for Marwa many years ago. A change that transformed her and her life forever.

Through the beauty in her sparkling eyes and her soft glowing cheeks, one would only think Marwa was the happiest teenager on the planet. Her giggles were always noticed and never once was Marwa seen without a smile on her tender face. The innocence in her eyes told a story of joy, of contentment and of serenity. That was because… even after all she had gone through, she had hope, she had her religion, her heart was at rest with the Creator, and that was what mattered to her the most.

Hope was what remained. Without it she would be but shambles, a girl without strength to move even a hands length. She would be too weak to stand up on her own two feet and continue going on with her life’s affairs, but she knew she had no choice. She would stand tall and win the battle she was fighting, because, behind that mask was an unspoken story that Marwa dread to tell. The memories of those days she spent in a place so dark, so dead was a heartache she couldn’t get herself to tell. The beauty she now saw in front of her eyes made up for the days when she was only in obscurity.

Behind that mask Marwa wore, was a story of two growing friends…

5 years ago…

“Marwa!” shouted Sara from the bottom of the stairway.

“Yes Ummi” replied Marwa running to the top of the stairways and leaning over the banister to face her mother.

“Come down, please. Your father and I need to share something with you.” said her mother in a pleasant tone. Her hazelnut eyes showed a look of excitement.

“Cool! I’ll be down, right a way!” exclaimed Marwa, now hurriedly returning to her bedroom to slip on her pink slippers.

Marwa ran down the long, winding staircase in her vintage house. Marwa lived in a huge house which was decorated with classical, vintage accessories and ornaments. She loved her home. It always had a warm feel and she would anticipate coming to a beautiful house like this after a long, tiring day at school.

“Take a seat, sweetheart” said Sarah as she carried her mug to the living room and took a seat besides her husband near the burning fireplace. Ubayd put his arms around his wife’s shoulder rubbing her arm and smiling into her eyes. Sarah chuckled and sipped her cup of coffee.

Marwa slouched onto the settee opposite her parents who seemed to be so happy, so delightful at something Marwa still didn’t know about.

“Well,…” said Sara gleaming away.

“Your mom wants to inform you of some good news.” interrupted Ubayd who was equally as excited.

“Ooo..what could it be? Nana and Ma will be coming over to stay with us I presume? I mean, it can’t be anything else!” exclaimed Marwa sarcastically.

“No dear, Sara chuckled. Don’t’ worry, Nana and Ma decided not to come this year.”

“Thank God. Aren’t I pleased?” Marwa teased.

She loved her grandparents dearly, but the thought of having them over again really pressured her. She had really important exams coming up and couldn’t take on the responsibility of balancing time with Nana and Ma, and then her revision. She knew she would spend most of her day nesting in Grandmas cosy arms and listening to her stories about life in Syria. Her revision would go down the drain.

“I’m sure Marwa, you will be much more pleased with the news I’m about to tell” informed her mother.

“Then tell meeeeee!” began Marwa curiously waiting – which showed in her eyes.

“Well sweetheart. In a few months’ time, all going well, and by the will of Allah, we will have a new member joining us in the family.” Sara’s face lit up with joy. Her eyes began to swell up whilst she said those words. “Alhamdulilah” she added softly with a gleaming smile.

Dawud turned towards Marwa to see her reaction. At first, Marwa was puzzled. Are we getting a pet? She thought. Are they adopting? No…wait, Ummi was actually pregnant! WOW!

“Woow...I mean, Alhamdulilah, I.., err, I can’t believe it!” said Marwa startled and absolutely delighted at the same time. She sat up and grinned.

“Yes” said Sara smiling and with tears dropping from her joyous face at the same time.

Marwa got up and walked over to her mum, who too had stood up to embrace her daughter, she grabbed hold of her and embrace her with a huge hug.

“Aww, Ummi… I know how much this means to you and Abi. You’ve wanted one for so long.”

She held her mum for so long. Taking in her sweet smell of perfume which wafted into the air. The moment was one Marwa felt she could hold forever. She hugged her mum tighter and placed her head into her mums chest, feeling the warmth of her breath and the trickles of her tears which were now falling on Marwa.

“I know, dear. Let’s hope all goes well and Allah gives me what I have been wanting for so long.”

“InshaAllah, Ummi. I hope it’s a girl.” Marwa smiled.

“Whatever it is dear, I’ll be happy.” Sara said smiling back.

She gave Marwa a kiss on her head, before Ubayd came to join the embrace. “I guess this is a girly moment that I can’t join in with.” He chuckled not meeting their eyes.

Marwa grabbed her father’s hand and pulled him to her and her mother. He wrapped his arms around the two women he loved so dearly and would sacrifice anything for. “May Allah keep us united” said Ubayd.

“Ameen” replied Sara holding Marwa’s grasp and feeling like she had been given the greatest treasures in the world.

----

“Yeah but Ubayd, we have to tell Marwa!” exclaimed Sara, weeping as she spoke.

Darling, I understand, but Marwa is young, she will be devastated, she might not even understand. It's only been a month.” replied Ubayd gently holding his wife’s hand as she stood wiping her tears with the other hand.

Sara let out a deep breath wiping the tears from her cheek. “QadarAllah I guess. I should accept it.” she said wholeheartedly her eyes were swollen, worn out and red from crying.

“I feel your pain dear. I too am drowned in sadness. I can’t imagine how you, the mother of that child must be feeling.”

Sara began to sob and let herself fall into her husbands arms.

“Hey, let me take you out for some fresh air.” Ubayd insisted. “I’ll treat you to a dinner.”

“Now… is.. not the time, U-b-baydah.” Sara’s voice quivered.

“Ok, wrap up warm and go take a rest.” Ubdaydah kissed his wife’s forehead.

“May Allah bless you.”

“And you” said Sara, letting go of her husband and making her way slowly upstairs.

Ubayd looked to his wife. She looked weak, distressed, she was drowning in sadness. It must be so horrible knowing that you were soon to be a mother but then having to receive the news that you lost your child. Maybe that child would grow up to be someone who disobeyed his parents and Allah? Who knows – only Allah. Ubayd took a deep breath.

Ubayd knew that no matter how much heartache he and his wife were feeling, Allah would definitely replace them with something better. Whether now or in the next life. For, Allah says: “Indeed, after every hardship is ease.”

Ubayd picked up the Qur’an from his shelf and began reading. Savouring each word, each letter. His eyes began to well up and he found his hairs standing on ends as he began to read about the Rahma of His Lord. What a Merciful creator He had. Nothing, absolutely nothing could give his wife strength and hope in this testing time, except Allah. Right now, the Qur’an was soothing his heart with the coolness of faith. It was curing him of this grief and sadness.

He closed the book, walked over to the mirror, looking at himself. His dark black beard curled up at the end, he began straightening it out with his hand. His eyes and nose were sore from crying. He grabbed a tissue wiping away the tears that were gathered in his eyes, and let out a deep breath.

“I must tell Marwa.” he told himself resentfully