**Scene 1: The Clinic Revelation – A Son on the Way
The cool gel spread across Maryam's taut belly felt familiar, yet today carried a different weight. Dr. Samina guided the ultrasound probe with practiced ease, the grayscale image flickering on the monitor beside them. Haroon leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the screen, his hand unconsciously gripping Maryam's. The past month had been a blur of nesting, gentle kicks growing stronger, and Haroon's meticulous care reaching new height
**Dr. Samina (smiling, pointing at the screen):** "Well, look who's decided to cooperate today! See that? There's the little nose... and those are definitely little feet pushing right there..." She zoomed in slightly, adjusting the angle. "And... would you like to know
Maryam's breath caught. Haroon's grip tightened. They exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them – *yes
**Maryam (voice barely a whisper):** "Please, Doctor
**Dr. Samina (chuckling softly):** "Alright then... congratulations! You're going to have a beautiful baby boy
A wave of pure, unadulterated joy washed over them. Maryam's free hand flew to her mouth, tears instantly welling in her eyes. A wide, disbelieving smile spread across Haroon's face, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looked from the screen to Maryam, then back again, as if confirming the tiny, undeniable evidence on the monito
**Haroon (voice thick with emotion):** "A boy... SubhanAllah. A son, Maryam." He bent down, pressing a fervent kiss to her temple. "Our son
**Maryam (tears spilling over, laughing softly):** "A little boy... Oh, Haroon." She squeezed his hand tightly, her heart overflowing with a fierce, protective love she hadn't known possible until this moment. The abstract concept of "baby" suddenly crystallized into "son." Their so
Dr. Samina printed out a few images, capturing the profile and a surprisingly clear view of tiny feet. "He's perfectly positioned, growing exactly as he should be. Strong heartbeat, excellent movement. You're doing wonderfully, Maryam." Her expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious as she turned to her desk. "Now, with about 45 days to go, and considering the timing..." She pulled out a printed sheet. "Ramadan begins in five days
Both Haroon and Maryam sobered instantly. They had discussed this. Fasting wasn't an option for Maryam in her condition, a fact Dr. Samina had firmly established months ago. But the holy month brought its own challenges – the change in household routine, the focus on pre-dawn and sunset meals (Sehri and Iftar), and the abundance of traditional, often rich, food
**Dr. Samina (handing the sheet to Haroon):** "This is a very specific food chart for Maryam for the next 45 days, especially crucial during Ramadan. Her nutrition needs are paramount. She *must* avoid oily, fried foods completely – no pakoras, samosas, jalebis, or excessive parathas at Iftar. Minimize white rice – opt for brown rice or quinoa if needed, but focus on proteins, vegetables, fruits, and complex carbs. Hydration is even more critical now – she needs to sip water constantly throughout the non-fasting hours
She looked directly at Haroon, her gaze firm. "Mr. Haroon, this falls squarely on you. The temptations during Ramadan are significant. Family gatherings, the smell of frying... you *must* be extra vigilant. Ensure she sticks to this chart. No exceptions. Her energy levels and the baby's health depend on it. This is non-negotiable
**Haroon (taking the chart, his expression resolute, shoulders squaring with the weight of responsibility):** "Understood, Doctor. Completely. There will be no oily food, no fried items, and minimal rice for Maryam. I will oversee every meal, every snack. Her health and the baby's come before anything else. You have my word
**Maryam (placing a hand on her bump, feeling her son stir):** "I'll be careful too, Doctor. I promise
**Dr. Samina (nodding approvingly):** "Good. I know it won't be easy, especially with the festive Iftar atmosphere. But remember why – for this little boy." She gestured towards the ultrasound image. "Focus on nutrient-dense Sehri – oats, eggs, yogurt, dates. Light, balanced Iftar – soups, salads, grilled proteins, fruits. Small, frequent meals between Iftar and Sehri. Now, go home and celebrate your son
**Scene 2: Planning and Protection – The Ramadan Shield
The drive home was filled with a different kind of energy. The joy of knowing their child was a boy was palpable, a warm glow inside the car. Haroon kept reaching over to squeeze Maryam's hand, a wide grin breaking across his face every few minute
**Haroon:** "A son, Maryam. Can you imagine? Teaching him to ride a bike... maybe cricket..." His voice was thick with dream
**Maryam (smiling, tears still lingering):** "Reading him stories... seeing him sleep..." She looked down at the ultrasound images clutched in her hand. "Our little man." She traced the tiny profile. "Ramadan will feel different this year, won't it? Knowing he's here with us.
**Haroon (sobering slightly, glancing at the food chart on the dashboard):** "It will. And Dr. Samina is right. We need a plan. A fortress against fried food." His tone was determined. "I'll talk to Ammi first thing. Explain the chart. She'll understand; she'll want what's best for her grandson
As soon as they entered the house, Haroon taped the food chart prominently on the refrigerator door. He then pulled out his phon
**Haroon (dialling):** "Ammi? Yes, we're back... and it's a boy! Yes, yes, SubhanAllah! Very happy... Ammi, listen, Dr. Samina was very strict..." He launched into a clear explanation of the dietary restrictions, emphasizing the dangers of oily food and the importance of the chart. "Could we plan the Iftars accordingly? Maybe more dahi baray, chana chaat, lots of fruit salad, grilled chicken instead of fried... Yes, exactly. Maryam needs to be our priority these next weeks... Shukriya, Ammi. I knew I could count on you." He hung up, relief evident. "Ammi's on board. She's already thinking of recipes
He then turned to Maryam, his expression softening but still serious. "Meri jaan, I know it will be hard. The smell of samosas frying at Abbu's place... seeing everyone else enjoy them. But please, promise me you'll tell me if you crave anything off the list. We'll find a healthy alternative. Your well-being," he placed his hand gently on her bump, "and his, are everything
**Maryam (covering his hand with hers):** "I promise, Haroon. Knowing it's for him... for us... makes it easier. And knowing you're my shield." She smiled. "My very determined, chart-wielding shield
**Scene 3: The First Iftar Test – Temptation and Teamwork
Five days later, the serene hush of late afternoon settled over the city, signalling the approach of Maghrib and the first Iftar of Ramadan. Maryam sat in her parents' living room, the air thick with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly fried pakoras and samosas emanating from the kitchen. Plates laden with the golden, crispy delights were being placed on the large dastarkhwan spread on the floor. Bowls of sweet, sticky jalebis glistened nearby. Maryam's stomach rumbled, a purely instinctive reaction to the powerful scen
Rimsha offered her a plate piled high. "Baji, try Ammi's special potato samosas! They're the best this year
Maryam hesitated, her eyes lingering on the tempting food. She glanced instinctively towards Haroon, who was standing nearby talking to Abbu but had one eye firmly on her. He caught her look and gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head, his expression gentle but unwavering. He then smoothly intercepted, picking up a bowl of fresh fruit chaat – a vibrant mix of apples, bananas, oranges, and pomegranate seeds sprinkled with chaat masala and lemon juice – that he had specifically requested Ammi prepar
**Haroon (placing the fruit chaat and a plate of plain, grilled chicken kebabs beside Maryam):** "Here you go, meri jaan. Ammi's famous fruit chaat and the kebabs you like." He sat down beside her, effectively blocking her view of the fried platter. "Smells amazing, doesn't it?" he said conversationally, picking up a piece of melon for himself. "But this fruit looks even better
Maryam's mother bustled over. "Beta, are you sure you don't want just *one* small samosa? They're so light..
**Haroon (firmly but respectfully):** "Ammi, Dr. Samina was very clear. No fried food. Not even one. It's too risky this close to her time. The fruit and kebabs are perfect for her." He gave Maryam an encouraging no
Maryam took a deep breath, pushing aside the pang of craving. She picked up her fork and speared a piece of juicy apple and a chunk of perfectly grilled chicken. The flavours were fresh, clean, and satisfying. She smiled at her mother. "It's delicious, Ammi. Truly. And knowing it's best for your grandson makes it taste even better." She caught Haroon's eye and saw the quiet pride and relief in his gaze. He subtly squeezed her hand under the dastarkhwa
Throughout the Iftar, Haroon was her constant anchor. When dates and sweet sherbet were passed around, he ensured she had plain dates and a large glass of water. When the conversation inevitably turned to the deliciousness of the fried snacks, he smoothly steered it towards the baby, sharing the latest ultrasound pictures again, diverting attention and reinforcing their shared purpos
Later, driving home under the canopy of stars, Maryam felt a wave of contentment mixed with exhaustio
**Maryam (leaning her head back):** "That was harder than I thought. The smell..
**Haroon (reaching over to take her hand):** "I know. You were incredible. So strong. Every time you chose the fruit or the grilled chicken... you were choosing him. Choosing both of you." His voice was full of admiration. "I'm so proud of you, Maryam.
**Maryam (smiling tiredly):** "I couldn't have done it without my human shield. Thank you, Haroon. For being... relentless.
**Haroon (grinning):** "For our son? Always.
**Scene 4: Whispered Names Under the Moon
**(Word Count: Approx. 350)
Back in the sanctuary of their own balcony, wrapped in a shared shawl against the cool night air, the sounds of the city softened. Maryam sipped slowly on warm milk with a sprinkle of almonds – her pre-sleep nutrient boost. The excitement of the gender reveal and the effort of the first Ramadan Iftar had left them both reflectiv
Maryam placed a hand on her bump, feeling the distinct bulge of a tiny foot pushing against her palm. "He's active tonight. Maybe excited about his first Ramadan, even if he doesn't know it yet
Haroon placed his hand over hers, feeling the movement beneath. "Our little fighter." He paused, looking out at the moon. "Have you... have you thought about names
Maryam smiled, nestling closer. "A little. Abbu suggested 'Rayyan'... the name of the gate of Paradise for those who fast
**Haroon (considering):** "Rayyan... Rayyan Ahmed Khan. It has a good ring. Strong." He was quiet for a moment. "I keep thinking of 'Ehsan'. Grace, kindness, beneficence.
**Maryam (testing it softly):** "Ehsan... Ehsan Ahmed Khan." She felt the baby kick again, as if responding. "It's beautiful. Meaningful." She looked up at him. "Rayyan and Ehsan. Both feel right.
**Haroon (kissing the top of her head):** "Then we have two beautiful names for our beautiful boy. We'll see which one fits him when he arrives." He pulled the shawl tighter around them. "Just 45 days, Maryam. We hold steady. We follow the chart. We protect you both.
**Maryam (closing her eyes, feeling safe, loved, and incredibly grateful):** "We hold steady," she echoed, the names of their son – Rayyan and Ehsan – echoing softly in her heart under the watchful Ramadan moon. The path was clear: abstinence for her today meant boundless blessings for their tomorrow.