It's up to God

A Miss that Never Wasted

A few months later, Nadira was seven months pregnant, meaning that she was seven months less likely to meet her eldest after Hafiz's departure to study in Cairo. Nadira feels that time feels very slow, every second feels like hours while missing Hafiz. He also felt very alone and lonely without the presence of his eldest son. Although her husband was always by her side, but Hafiz's presence that brought light and cheer in their home was greatly missed. On the one hand, Nadira is very happy to soon be a mother of two children. But on the other hand, he felt very sad and missed the distant Hafiz there.

Saban hari, Nadira continued to hope and pray that Hafiz could soon return home and reunite with his family. He knew that while video calls could treat a bit of homesickness, nothing could replace the physical presence of his firstborn in their home.

"It felt like time was so slow, every second felt like hours and hours as I missed Hafiz. I felt so alone and lonely without my firstborn," Nadira said, stroking a picture of Hafiz on her phone.

"I know, honey, but don't worry too much. Hafiz must be fine there and one day, he will return home" Ammar said, trying to calm Nadira down. Because he was afraid Nadira would be sick again if too many thoughts.

"I know, but sometimes my sense of longing is so strong that it's hard to overcome. I miss the smile and the joy it always brings to our homes." Nadira kissed a photo of Hafiz on the screen about 6 inches in his hand, then hugged him. As if hugging Hafiz physically. Eyes closed. He felt a deep longing.

Nadira keeps trying to stay strong and happy, especially when she thinks about the presence of her second baby soon to be born.

"I understand how you feel. But remember, we will soon have another baby that will fill the emptiness of your heart. We must be grateful and happy with the presence of our second baby" Ammar said with a smile.

"Yes, you're right. I am so grateful and happy to be a mother again soon. This baby will be our greatest gift."

Nadira still looks at the portrait of togetherness with his eldest son, as well as some family moments taken before Hafiz went wandering.

"Every time I see a portrait of my relationship with Hafiz, I imagine that he is in front of me. I felt sad and lost, because I could not accompany my son in every stage of his development while traveling to Cairo. I also worry that she will feel jealous or unloved if she gives birth to her sister later."

"You have to believe in Hafiz, honey. He knows that you love him and always misses him. And when his sister is born, it will only add to the happiness of our family, not diminish the love we have for Hafiz."

"I know, but I was sad when I couldn't prepare Hafiz's food and other necessities while he was there. I'm afraid he's lacking my attention."

"Don't worry, honey. We can still provide support and affection from afar. In addition, Hafiz is an adult and can take care of himself. You don't have to feel guilty for not being able to provide the same physical support as when he was here.

"Yes, you're right. I should try to let go of this situation and give my best support to Hafiz, even from afar."

"You can do it, honey. You have always been a great mother to our children. I'm sure that Hafiz will be happy, when he sees his sister later. And who knows, maybe he could go home to see his sister's birth." Ammar's sentence just now, as if to be a momentary sedative for Nadira.

Nadira looked at her husband with sparkling eyes. She felt very grateful, given the best husband in her opinion. Who can understand every situation and condition of Nadira, as well as people who are known, especially family.

"I hope so. Thank you, yes. I'm so grateful to have a husband like you who has always supported and encouraged me."

"It's my responsibility as a husband to always make sure that his wife is okay. I promise you, if we're gonna get through this together, yeah!" ammar smiled.

However, despite her mixed feelings, Nadira still tries to take care of her pregnancy and maintain her health so that her second baby can be born healthy and strong. She spends time reading books about pregnancy and caring for the baby, as well as talking to doctors and midwives to make sure that everything is going smoothly.

In every video call with Hafiz, Nadira always strives to give full attention and give the same affection as when they were together. Despite not being able to meet in person, Nadira hopes that every time they speak, Hafiz feels that her mother loves her very much.

Nadira was determined to give the same care and affection to her two children, even though they were in different places. He felt confident that Hafiz would be able to feel the same love as his sister and they would grow up together as a happy family.

"Oh yes, tonight there will be a seven-monthly prayer event for our second child. Now you rest, yeah. Do not think too heavy and keep your stamina to stay healthy," said Ammar while holding Nadira's cheek gently.

Nadira nodded and smiled as she stroked her increasingly distended stomach.

"Yes, I'd like to help you prepare for your studies first, yes." Ammar stepped towards the exit, then turned back. "Remember, you just take a break. All the seven-month study prep, I take care of it. After all, this is also just a prayer event for the safety and health of our children. There are no custom events, so you don't have to do much. Okay!"

Nadira sighed. Still with her sweet smile.

...***...

Everyone at the Al Fathonah boarding school helped prepare for the seven-month study of Nadira and Ammar's second child. Both Nadira's parents (Sultan and Fenny), as well as Haikal (brother of Nadira) and Yasmin (his brother-in-law), took part in preparing for the event. They deliberately took the time so that Nadira did not feel sad. Nor do they want Nadira to return feeling that her family no longer cares for her. While his brother Ammar (Ali), has flown back abroad. There's business in London to do.

"Thank you all for your help in preparing for my son's seven-month studies. I'm so moved and grateful to have such a caring family" Nadira said.

"Of course, son. You are part of our family and we always want to help you whenever you need" Sultan said.

"We are also delighted to be able to help make this event go smoothly. You don't have to feel sad or lonely, because we're all here for you" Fenny said.

"Rubber, Nad. We all want you to feel happy and calm during your pregnancy" Haikal said.

Yasmin, who was also pregnant, supported and helped her sister-in-law. Although Nadira's gestational age is not too far with Yasmin, but Yasmin's condition is stronger than Nadira who has a congenital disease.

"Don't hesitate to ask us for help or support whenever you need, Nadira. We're all here for you" Yasmin said, smiling.

"Thank you, Mr. Yasmin. I truly feel appreciated and loved by all of you. Although Kak Ali could not participate in this event, but I know he always prayed for all of us, even from afar. He also sent gifts to his future nephew who would be born this." Nadira pointed at his stomach.

"Of course, Nad. Our families will always be united in all situations and circumstances" Haikal said.

Then, his son Nadira responded by kicking.

"Eh, you listened to us talk, huh? Until the drumming," said Nadira, looking and stroking his stomach.

They all laughed happily.

"Especially we are all impatient to welcome the arrival of our second grandson who will be born soon" said Lutfi.

"Yes, may this event bring blessings to your soon-to-be-born son, Nad. And may you be healthy always, yes," said the Sultan, staring at his son in love.

"Aamiin ya Rabbal 'alaamiin. Thank you very much for your prayers, Pa," said Nadira, looking at her papa; sultan. Then he looked at his father-in-law (Lutfi). "Thank you also because Abi and Umi have treated me like a real child themselves. I feel so lucky to have you all."

...***...

Two hours later, Nadira's second child's seven-monthly event began with a lively and happy atmosphere. Everyone present, both family and close friends, looks very enthusiastic and happy to be part of this event.

The atmosphere of the event became even more lively when Nadira and her husband, Ammar, arrived at the event location in beautiful and neat clothes. They were warmly welcomed by their waiting family and friends, as well as Al Fathonah boarding students.

In the room, it looks that there are already dishes and foods that are served beautifully and attractively. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the dish while talking to each other.

It was time for the main event to begin, which was a seven-month study. Nadira and Ammar sat in front and were accompanied by prayers and remembrance led by Lutfi. Everyone looks very serious and serious in following this study.

After the study was over, Nadira and Ammar gave their family and friends the opportunity to offer their second child in the womb a speech and prayer. These words and prayers made Nadira and Ammar feel very touched and happy.

The seven-monthly event of Nadira's second child took place with great happiness and blessings. Everyone felt very happy and grateful for the presence of Nadira's second baby who was soon to be born. May the birth of this second child bring happiness and blessings to the families of Nadira and Ammar.

...****...