The next morning, Maryam woke up at the first ring of her alarm. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the city. She quickly freshened up, dressed in a modest yet professional outfit, and left for school. As she walked down the street, the crisp morning air filled her lungs, energizing her for the day ahead.
Upon reaching *Salman Farsi Primary School*, she greeted the security guard with a polite nod before making her way to the classroom. Her students, a group of bright-eyed first graders, greeted her with cheerful voices.
"Good morning, Miss Maryam!" they chimed in unison.
A warm smile spread across Maryam's face. "Good morning, everyone! Are you ready for today's lesson?"
The children responded enthusiastically, their excitement lifting her spirits. The first few weeks had been challenging—adjusting to a new routine, managing an entire class, and ensuring every child received the attention they needed—but as time passed, Maryam found herself falling in love with teaching. Each day, she felt a growing sense of fulfillment knowing she was shaping young minds.
As she completed her first month, an unexpected yet joyous moment arrived—her first salary. When she received the envelope containing her payment of $300, her hands trembled slightly. Never in her life had she earned money in such a dignified and honorable way. Tears welled up in her eyes, but they were tears of gratitude and pride.
That evening, as she walked into Ayesha's home, she couldn't contain her excitement. "Ayesha!" she called out as she entered the living room, waving the envelope in her hand.
Ayesha, who was playing with little Khadija and Umar, looked up with curiosity. "What happened? You look like you've won a lottery!"
Maryam grinned. "Not a lottery, but something even better. I got my first salary today!"
Ayesha's face lit up with genuine happiness. "MashaAllah, Maryam! Congratulations! I am so proud of you."
Maryam hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Ayesha. I couldn't have done this without you and your support. That's why I want to do something special. I want to treat you and your family to a special dinner."
Ayesha shook her head, touched by the gesture but reluctant. "Maryam, you don't have to. Save your money, dear."
Maryam, however, was determined. "No, I insist! This is my way of thanking you all. Please don't say no."
Seeing the sincerity in Maryam's eyes, Ayesha finally relented. "Alright, but only because I know how much this means to you. We'll plan something special."
Maryam beamed. "Great! Let's do it on Sunday. That way, we all have time to enjoy it together."
Ayesha nodded. "Sunday sounds perfect, but there's one thing. Ubaid will be traveling to Karachi on Thursday to drop Ammi safely back home. He'll be gone for five to seven days."
Maryam thought for a moment and then smiled. "That's fine. We'll have our celebration before he leaves."
Later that night, Maryam sat in her room, reflecting on her journey. From being lost and abandoned to finding a family that accepted her wholeheartedly, she had come a long way. Earning her first salary was not just about the money; it symbolized independence, dignity, and a new chapter in her life.
As she prepared for bed, she whispered a silent prayer of gratitude. She was finally building a life she could be proud of, and this was just the beginning.