Our Space

Chapter 45

Sami's mother had been living with Sami and Radia for over a year. In this much time, not a lot had happened between the three of them. They had slipped into their lives comfortably. Sami's mother insisted on doing many of the chores while Sami and Radia were at work. Radia was grateful and she made sure to show her appreciation and give her mother-in-law a break on the days she had off.

Radia's family seemed to be doing a lot better too. They had settled into their new and more spacious home. Sadia was working full time and Madia had promised her parents she would go to university. Radia's father had finally let Sami help a little financially.

Sami felt content in their life, though he did wish for a baby. He tried not to share this too much with Radia as they'd been trying for a year with no avail. With her parents settled, Radia felt like she was ready to stop working and have a baby. Sami had to stop her from going to the doctors, assuring her that there was nothing wrong with her.

Manahil had gotten pregnant within her first year of marriage. The family was overjoyed but Sami sensed that Radia felt that yearning a little more.

One Friday, Sami waited for Radia to come down from their room after he'd returned from Asr. He sat with his mother, having a casual chat. Seeing the time, he decided to check on Radia. It didn't take her this long to pray.

He found Radia in sujood. He sat next to her, waiting for her to sit up. He waited a while and realised she had no idea he was there and was probably lost in her prayers.

"Radia?" He whispered. She finally sat up.

"Don't talk to me until Maghrib," she said. "It's the last hour of Asr on a Friday. There's a specific time in this hour when your du'as are answered. Leave me while I pray, please?"

Sami did as he was told. He felt bad for Radia. He knew what she was praying for as he was praying for a little baby too. Most of the time she was happy and content. But every now and then, she'd see a baby and wish she had her own to hold.

That night, he held her, wanting to comfort her. He wanted to tell her that they'd have a baby when Allah planned for them to have one. He didn't want her to stress over it.

"Radia," he whispered into her ear. "You know our baby Haytham or baby Safa will come exactly when the time is right."

"I know, Sami. I can't deny that. But there's no harm in praying. Even if we don't have baby Saif or baby Adila any time soon, at least I'll get reward for praying, right?"

"True. And then when baby Haytham or baby Safa come, it will all be worth it."

"Indeed, when baby Saif or baby Adila come, it will be worth it, in'sha'Allah."

Neither of them were agreeing on names but it was a discussion to be had in the future. But the future wasn't as far as they thought it may be.

It was only a matter of two weeks before Radia's du'as were answered. It was the weekend and Sami was getting ready to play football with his friends. He was putting his socks on when Radia came rushing into the room and attacked him in a hug.

"Woah, what's up with you?" Sami asked.

"It's happened! It's finally really and truly happened!" She yelled. As she stared into his eyes, Sami understood.

"No way!"

"Yes way!"

"Is it what I think it is?"

"Yep!"

"Show me!"

"It's in the bathroom."

"Get it!" Sami demanded, finding it hard to believe.