📖 *Shehzana’s Diary* *Tuesday, 3rd June 2025* *Garments for Each Other* *Dear Diary,* Yesterday felt like a scene from a love story – one of those warm ones, where love, family, and spirituality blend together into something truly beautiful. My heart was fluttering with excitement all day. He was finally coming home. I quickly whispered to Mum (my amazing mother-in-law) to open the door when he arrived and just say I had rushed to the supermarket for something. I wanted to tease him a bit. When the bell rang and the Uber dropped him off, Mum opened the door with her arms wide and tears in her eyes. “Oh my son,” she said, hugging him tightly, “I missed you so much. May Allah always keep you safe, may your Rizq flow in halal ways, may your smile stay, and may your heart always find peace in Allah.” He kissed her forehead and then her hands tenderly, whispering, “I love you, Mum… I missed your voice, and your duas every morning. I love you so much Mum. ” his eyes welled with tears. Then his eyes… they scanned the hallway quickly, like they were searching for something — or someone. Peeking into the sitting room, he seemed a little unsettled. Mum chuckled and said playfully, “Oh, I think you’re looking for Shehzana. I think she may not be here. Maybe, she could've gone to the supermarket or maybe a quick check on her Ammi? ” He looked a bit disappointed, just for a second. “But she doesn't usually… “then he stopped and asked where Dad and Ameera were. “Dad’s at work,” Mum replied, “and Ameera’s at school.” He opened his bag and pulled out a beautiful gift pack. “This is for you and Dad,” he said, handing it to Mum. It was wrapped in soft ivory paper with a gold ribbon. Then another packet: “This is for Ameera,” he added. Finally, he turned toward our room. I had set everything up quietly while he was en route — the room was softly lit with scented vanilla and rose candles, petals scattered on the floor and heart - shaped cushions, and soft Turkish velvet curtains draped on a stand in the corner with strings of beads and fairy light hanging in rows. The bed was dressed in crisp white linen with a gentle blue throw. He opened the door slowly… then paused. His eyes widened. And I stood there, in a flowing turquoise-blue outfit, modest and elegant, my dupatta pinned with a little sparkle at the side, waiting with my heart racing. He stepped in. His face broke into the biggest smile — a mix of surprise, relief, and love. He came forward and embraced me so warmly, so completely. “I thought you had gone out,” he whispered. “I was actually irritated… like, how could she not be home when I told her I was coming?” Then he looked around the room. “But now I see… this was your plan all along. You always make ordinary moments feel magical.” Tears trickled from my eyes. “I missed you… every night, every morning, every moment… ” I said softly. "I'm back for you..." he said. The he cupped my face and gave me an."I know... I was going through the same..." type of smile. “My project — it was a success. The road design has been approved. I’ve got the offer. I begin officially in two weeks,” he said with confidence . Then he dropped a large luxury shopping bag onto the bed. “This… is for you.” Inside: – A stunning emerald green Elie Saab maxi dress with delicate beadwork – A set of Xerjoff Xerjoff Amber Star & Star Musk – A pair of nude Jimmy Choo heels – A Turkish silk hijab in rose gold – And a delicate gold bracelet set with pearls I gasped. “Why so much? These are… expensive.” He smiled, pulled me close and whispered, “Not more than you. You’re worth it, and more.” Today, being the 6th of Dhul-Hijjah, feels special. I've made a little checklist to keep me spiritually aligned this sacred month — morning azhkaar, lots of istighfaar, reading Surah Fajr daily, and making heartfelt duas every night. Now that he’s back, I’m excited to do some of these together. There’s a different barakah when husband and wife turn to Allah together… truly, garments for each other — in dunya and deen. Later in the afternoon, Rehana called. She reminded me to ask Mum if she could perhaps speak to her mother-in-law about being a little kinder. While we were chopping veggies for dinner, I took the moment. “Mum…” “Jee beta? I’ve been noticing you seem a little… disturbed lately. Is everything okay?” I looked up, sighed gently. “I’m fine, Ammi. “ I hesitated a bit, then shared, “Actually, Rehana asked if you could have a light word with her mother-in-law. Just… remind her to be a little softer with her.You know how aunty wants her to be in the kitchen most of the time and do all the household chores.. Like… I”I mean be a bit gentle on her.. “ Mum laughed, “Hey girlie, you want me beaten up?” Then her smile faded gently. “You know… Rehana’s mother-in-law has been through a lot. Sometimes life hardens people, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a good heart. I’ll speak to her… but in a very normal way. No one will know anyone complained.” A while later, Rehana called again. “He agreed,” she whispered excitedly. Her husband had cancelled the trip with his friends and promised to stay home during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. She’d made him understand about the importance and sanctity of these days — and they even agreed that going forward, wherever he goes, she goes too. Alhamdulillah for small victories. Ameera also made me smile today. She told me she’s invited her friends for a BBQ the day after Eid. “Shezana apa, my friends were all excited when I invited them the day after Eid,” she said, “I thought they wouldn't want to come to my house. “ I hugged her and told her how proud I was — she’s making small, wise choices on her own. We sat together and drew out our plan for her friend's day. We wrote the menu and chose the games and activities. As this sacred month unfolds, my heart aches with longing — thinking of the Hujjaj, walking where Ibrahim عليه السلام walked, circling the Ka’bah, drinking Zamzam. Every moment I wonder… “Where are they now? Are they in sujood, crying for us? Are they near the Maqame Ibrahim raising their hands in duas? Are they preparing for Mina now? ” Ya Allah… write us among them one day. Let our hearts always stay close to the sacred. With love, longing, and gratitude, ~ *Shehzana* 🤍