Eid: A Time of Love
15th Ramadan: Sehri
The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow over the Cantt area of Lahore, when the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the Khan household. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of spices. It was a time of anticipation, of gathering together for the pre-dawn meal known as sehri, a sacred tradition during the month of Ramadan.
Aliza sat at the table, her heart racing with excitement for the day ahead. Her mother, Mrs. Muneerah, had mentioned something special: Eid shopping. But first, they had to share this precious moment as a family.
"Mom, are you ready? I can't wait for the shopping!" Aliza exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"Patience, Aliza. We have to finish sehri first," her mother replied, a warm smile illuminating her face. Muneerah had always been the anchor of their family, managing the household with a grace that stemmed from her faith and strength.
As the family gathered around the table, Aaliya rushed in, her curly hair bouncing around her shoulders, still wearing her pajamas. "Sorry! I lost track of time," she said, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement.
"Well, get ready quickly! We have a big day ahead," Aliza urged, her enthusiasm infectious.
Once they had finished their meal, Muneerah glanced at her daughters. "Girls, after iftar today, we will go shopping. I want to make sure we have everything we need for Eid, including gifts for the servants," she instructed, her voice firm yet nurturing.
"That's a brilliant idea, Mom!" Aliza replied. "It's important to remember them during this blessed month."
Aaliya chimed in, her voice filled with eagerness. "I can't wait to pick out some henna and bangles! They're so pretty!"
After iftar, Aliza and Aaliya quickly changed into their new clothes, the excitement palpable as they prepared for the outing. Aliza's heart swelled with pride as she watched her younger sister dance around the room, her happiness radiating in every move.
Aaliya burst into Aliza's room, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Are you ready yet? Come on, it's getting late!"
"Hold on, will you? Just give me a moment!" Aliza laughed, playfully shoving her sister back.
Once they were all ready, Muneerah led them to the car, where Feroz, their ever-reliable driver, was waiting. As they drove through the bustling streets of Lahore, the vibrant colors of fabric stalls and the aroma of street food ignited their senses.
Aaliya suddenly broke the silence, her voice bubbling with excitement. "I'm going to sit in Itikaf this year!"
Aliza turned to her sister, a mixture of admiration and teasing in her eyes. "That's amazing! Let's have ten days of peace, shall we?"
Muneerah smiled at her daughters, appreciating the bond they shared. "That's a good idea, Aaliya. But remember, it's also a time for prayer and reflection."
After what felt like hours of shopping, with Aliza helping Aaliya choose the right outfits, they finally completed their errands. They returned home, their arms laden with bags and hearts filled with joy.
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A Week Later: The Spirit of Ramadan
As the days rolled by, the Khan household became a hive of activity, especially as Ramadan progressed. Each evening, they would gather for iftar, sharing stories and laughter. On the evening of the 25th Ramadan, the kitchen was a cacophony of pots clanging and voices raised in excitement. Aliza and Aaliya often found themselves teasing each other amidst the chaos.
"Have you finally chosen a recipe you like, or are you just going to make another mess?" Aliza laughed, eyeing Aaliya, who was attempting yet another culinary experiment with the cook, Amna.
"Oh, come on! It's all in good fun!" Aaliya shot back, her curly hair bouncing as she laughed.
As the month unfolded, Aliza noticed the subtle changes in her family dynamic. There was an unspoken bond that grew stronger with each iftar and each prayer.
On the 15th of Ramadan, while seated at the dining table for sehri, Muneerah reminded her daughters about the importance of giving. "Girls, it's essential we remember our servants this Eid. They work hard and deserve our gratitude," she explained.
Aliza nodded, appreciating her mother's kindness. "You're right, Mom. We can bring them gifts along with our zakat and fitra."
As the day of Eid approached, the house buzzed with preparation. Each room was filled with the scent of traditional dishes, and laughter echoed off the walls as the sisters playfully bantered, even as they cleaned up and organized their home.
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Eid Day: A Celebration of Togetherness
The day of Eid dawned bright and cheerful. The sounds of joy and prayers resonated from the nearby mosques, filling the air with blessings. Mrs. Muneerah had given the staff the day off, ensuring that her family could spend quality time together.
"Feroz, have you had breakfast?" she asked when their driver returned from prayers.
"Yes, Begum Sahiba, I'm good," he replied with a smile.
As Aliza and Aaliya prepared for the day, the sisters shared knowing glances, each feeling the warmth of their mother's care and the weight of tradition.
"Let's get the house ready! We can't have guests arriving to a messy home!" Aliza encouraged.
"But I have a headache!" Aaliya protested, trying to dodge the chores.
"Come on, no excuses! We're a team," Aliza insisted, gently nudging her sister.
After tidying up, the sisters donned their new Eid outfits, feeling beautiful and proud. Breakfast was a lively affair, with their mother's sweet treats and laughter filling the room.
Once they finished eating, relatives began arriving, bringing with them the warmth of family ties. The bustling energy in the house, mixed with the scent of traditional sweets, created a feeling of home that Aliza cherished deeply.
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