The Unexpected Guest

Even though she didn't want to, Raziya made her way to the kitchen. She had been quite busy for the past week, constantly occupied with a stream of guests, her children's exams, and other tasks. Now, the guests had stopped coming, and the kids were done with their exams. This week had left her exhausted, and her body felt heavy. She had decided that all she would do now was rest, as her children and husband had gone on a picnic and wouldn't be back for at least two days. She was all alone at home.

However, she forgot that she, too, gets hungry. At first, she ignored it, but her tossing and turning increased. The pangs of hunger wouldn't let her close her eyes. Finally, she lost this battle and, with slow steps, made her way into the kitchen. The kitchen was also a mess, with things scattered about. She started to wonder what she could make that would be quick and easy. But as they say, an empty stomach doesn't allow the brain to work well. She gave up the mental battle, took eggs out of the fridge, got the ingredients ready for an omelet, quickly kneaded some dough for rotis, and then made the omelet. She hurriedly set the table and sat down. Just as she was about to take her first bite, the doorbell rang. Reluctantly, she got up, and her steps moved toward the door. Through the peephole, she saw a frail old woman leaning against the wall.

Raziya opened the door.

"Beta, do you have something to eat?" a weak voice reached her ears.

The answer was difficult for Raziya. "Yes... yes..." she didn't know what to say.

The old woman sat down, using the wall for support. Raziya saw that the woman looked quite weak; her face suggested she hadn't eaten for days.

"Acha, Khalajan (a term of respect for an elderly woman), please come inside," Raziya said, looking at the old woman.

"No, my child. Whatever you have, just bring it here. I don't have the strength to walk anymore."

Raziya quickly went inside and offered the roti and omelet to the woman. The old woman began to eat hurriedly. Raziya kept watching her and then realized she should offer the woman some water.

When the old woman finished her meal, a look of contentment appeared on her face. "My child, the food was delicious. May Allah bless your hands, may your children have a good destiny, may there be blessings in your husband's earnings, and may you have a life of peace."

The old woman continued to offer blessings. Raziya felt as if her exhaustion had disappeared. The woman's voice and smile had illuminated her heart. "Khalajan, please wait, I'll bring some money," she said and went inside quickly. But when she came back out, the old woman was nowhere to be seen. Raziya looked around, but the old woman had vanished.

By: Danish