Maria’s life unfolds as a poignant tale of love, betrayal, despair, and ultimate redemption. Her journey begins in the simplicity of her early twenties, shaped by the humble values of her modest upbringing. Maria is an intelligent and driven young woman, studying on a scholarship at an elite college where she meets Ryan, a charismatic and wealthy young man. Ryan’s charm sweeps Maria off her feet, and she is drawn into a world of luxury and privilege that is far removed from her own. Their friendship blossoms into a deep romance, and Maria believes she has found the love of her life.

As their love story progresses, the differences in their social backgrounds become more apparent. Ryan’s family disapproves of their relationship, while Maria’s parents, though supportive of her happiness, worry about the challenges of such a union. Ignoring their warnings, Maria dreams of a future with Ryan, one filled with love and understanding. However, life has other plans.

Ryan’s father cuts off his financial support, thrusting the couple into an unanticipated financial crisis. The reality of living without wealth proves to be too much for Ryan, who struggles to adapt. Maria, who believed in the strength of their love, is devastated when Ryan abandons her, leaving her to face their hardships alone. This betrayal shatters her heart and forces her into survival mode.

Alone and vulnerable, Maria searches desperately for a way to support herself. With no stable job and mounting expenses, she is lured into the dark world of prostitution. The decision is not one she makes lightly, but desperation leaves her with no alternatives. The days blur into nights as Maria struggles to reconcile the choices she’s made. Her shame and guilt grow heavier, but she feels trapped in a cycle she cannot break.

One fateful evening, Maria meets Father Robert, a compassionate priest who sees beyond her broken exterior. He offers her not just guidance but a way to reclaim her life. Father Robert’s unwavering kindness and nonjudgmental demeanor spark something in Maria—a faint glimmer of hope. Over time, he helps her confront her past, offering her the chance to leave behind the darkness and embrace the light of redemption.

Through his support, Maria begins a profound transformation. She renounces her past and decides to dedicate herself to God. Joining a convent, she finds solace in the peace and discipline of her new life. Maria becomes Sister Mary, a devout nun committed to serving others. For the first time in years, she feels a sense of purpose and belonging. Her work with the poor and the needy brings her a fulfillment she never thought possible.

Yet, life has more twists in store for Maria. An unexpected encounter with Aisha, a childhood friend from her college days, reawakens questions Maria thought she had answered. Aisha, now a devout Muslim, shares her journey to Islam, describing the peace and clarity it has brought her. Intrigued, Maria begins to explore Islamic teachings. The Qur'an’s emphasis on justice, mercy, and surrender to God’s will resonates deeply with her.

As Maria delves deeper into Islam, she finds answers to questions that have lingered in her heart for years. Slowly but surely, the pull toward this faith becomes undeniable. After months of reflection, Maria decides to embrace Islam. Taking the name Maryam, she starts her journey as a Muslim woman, determined to begin anew once again.

As Maryam, she immerses herself in learning and spiritual growth. She attends study circles, reads extensively, and consults Islamic scholars. Her past, though painful, becomes a source of strength and inspiration for others. Maryam’s courage in sharing her story empowers countless women facing their own struggles. She becomes a mentor and a role model, embodying the power of faith and resilience.

*(Karachi Cattle Market – 4:00 PM)* 


The air buzzed with the cacophony of bleating goats, haggling voices, and the occasional *"Bhais ki qasam!"* as Irfan and Imran navigated the labyrinth of livestock. 


**Imran** (shouting over the noise): *"That Sahiwal cow—no, the one with the *kalangi* spot! How much?"* 


**Seller** (spitting paan): *"*Lakh ander*! Pure breed. Eid ka bakra, not a *plastic toy*!"* 


**Irfan** (rolling eyes): *"*Arrey bhai*, even Allah's cow isn't this expensive! *Truck wala* price batao."* 


Khadija squealed as the cow nuzzled her hijab. *"Abbu, she *loves* me! Take a selfie!"* 


**Maryam** (backing away): *"It's… bigger than Toronto's police horses."* 


**Ayesha** (snorting): *"Wait till you see the *Qurbani* knives."* 


*(Najma Residence Backyard – 6:30 PM)* 


The Sahiwal cow—now named *Gulabo*—munched hay serenely as Hamza attempted to ride her. 


**Khadija** (posing): *"Gulabo, say *Eid Mubarak*!"* (Flash! A dozen selfies later, Gulabo sneezed on her phone.) 


**Maryam** (clutching Irfan's arm): *"What if she *charges*?"* 


**Irfan** (grinning): *"Relax, she's gentler than Ammi's *daal chawal*."* 


**Ayesha** (dragging Maryam inside): *"Kitchen time. Before you faint."* 


Ammi's pressure cooker hissed like an angry cobra as Ayesha delegated tasks. 


**Ayesha** (thrusting onions at Maryam): *"Chop. Fine, not *Canadian lumberjack* style."* 


**Maryam** (teary-eyed): *"Why's biryani need *ten kilos* of onions?!"* 


**Ammi** (stirring degh): *"*Beta*, Eid is measured in tears. Onion's *or* relatives'."* 


**Imran** (peeking in): *"Salon in 30. Unless you want to look like *bhoot* tomorrow."* 


The salon hummed with blow-dryers and Bollywood remixes. Ayesha plopped into Chair 3, rattling off orders. 


**Ayesha** (to stylist): *"Layered cut. *Not* 2008's *Bebo* look."* 


**Maryam** (nervously): *"Just… a trim? And mehndi?"* 


**Henna Artist** (eyeing her palms): *"*Gori mem* needs *full arms*! Like *Bridgerton* with *desi* twist!"* 


Four hours later, Maryam's arms were botanical gardens, and Ayesha's curls defied gravity. 


**Ayesha** (calling Imran): *"*Jaan*, come get your *Barbies*."* 


The iron hissed as Maryam attacked Irfan's sherwani. 


**Maryam** (panicking): *"Why's there *gold thread*? It's *melting*!"* 


**Ayesha** (snatching it): *"Allah save us from *foreigners*. Use the *dupatta* as buffer!"* 


**Khadija's Voice** (sleepy, from stairs): *"Ammi… I need *pink* bangles with *green* dress…"* 


**Ammi** (arranging jewelry): *"In my time, we wore *one* suit for three Eids. Now it's *fashion show*."* 


Maryam collapsed onto the bed, her henna-stained hands glowing in the dawn light. 


**Ayesha** (muffled by pillow): *"Tomorrow… you'll taste *real* Eid. *Dua*'s, gunfire, and *phool jhadna*."* 


**Maryam** (giggling exhausted): *"Gunfire?!"* 


**Ayesha**: *"*Arrey*, celebratory shots! Karachi's *lullaby*."* 


Outside, the first *azan* of Eid echoed as Gulabo lowed softly. 


Chapter 205 - The Night of Henna and Hooves