Always protect what you love!

🌈 1325 – Sunday, 9 March 2025 23:31

Hyderabad

Just about to head out for a coffee with my brother at Uppal Cross Road, where the local tea and pan shop gets super busy. Every evening, young guys gather there to unwind, meet friends, and grab a bite before heading home. At first, I wasn’t too keen on going, but since I won’t be in the city for much longer, I figured it’s better to spend time with my brother than stay in.

Today is Sunday, but it doesn’t feel like one. I woke up early for Sehr when Dad called at 4:30 AM. I went downstairs, and Mum got up to start the rice cooker before going back to bed. We used leftovers from last night’s dinner. This Ramadan, it’s just my brother and me fasting.

It’s been two days since Mum’s seventh chemo. I was relieved to see her get up and cook for us, even though she struggles to do things for herself. It amazes me how she finds the energy to take care of us despite everything. She truly is a gift.

After Sehr, I went back to bed, only to be woken up by the loud construction noise from the five-story building going up next door. Here, work goes on no matter the day or time.

By 7:45 AM, the sun was bright, and the heat hit 34°C. I sat outside my studio, reciting Surah Fatiha a hundred times, followed by 35 affirmations for health, wealth, and success.

Mum had a blood transfusion two days ago due to low levels after her chemo. My brother and I were ready to donate, but since we were both fasting, we decided to get it externally instead. Thankfully, everything went smoothly with no reactions. This morning, I brought her some warm milk and bread, grateful she was feeling okay.

The day followed a usual routine—Sehr, Fajr, making breakfast for my parents, running errands, and vegetable shopping. After Zohr, I cooked lunch for Mum, as she prefers my food over what the cook makes. I’m just glad she has an appetite.

By 17:15, it was time for Asr, followed by a short rest before preparing Iftar – cutting fruits and setting the table. We all gathered to break our fast with a light meal before Maghrib, followed by dinner. The evening rushed by, and by 8 PM, we left for Isha and Taraweeh prayers. By the time we returned, it was nearly 10 PM. Time seems to fly faster than ever – I wish I could pause it for a while.

After Taraweeh, Dad caught up with his friends outside the mosque while I stood beside him. When we got home, Mum wasn’t feeling well. She had an upset stomach and was restless, so I gave her fresh coconut water. She felt a little better, but I wanted to cheer her up.

To distract her, I asked, “Mum, do you remember the time we found the light?” She looked puzzled, and my brother sighed, knowing I was about to tell one of my stories. He jokingly told Mum to say she didn’t remember so I wouldn’t go on and on.

I smiled and said, “Let’s see if you do remember.”

I took her back to that evening when she, my siblings, and I were waiting for a jeep to take us to Dad’s place in Nadigudam, where he was stationed as an inspector. We got ready early, had tea, and ate a simple meal of rice, tomato and potato curry, and omelets. Mum fed us all by hand, one bite at a time.

We waited for hours, wondering if the jeep would come. Finally, at 7 PM, it arrived. The drive took us past villages, markets, and returning cattle. By the time we reached Nadigudam, it was dark and windy, with rain about to fall.

We arrived at Dad’s small house, much simpler than our home in the city. Just as we got inside, heavy rain poured down, followed by thunder. Mum is scared of thunder, and we all sat together, waiting for Dad. Suddenly, the power went out. The whole street, the whole town—completely dark.

Mum searched for a lantern and finally found one with some kerosene. But we needed matches. She searched everywhere but couldn’t find any. She even braved the dark second room, bumping into a chair that made a loud noise, scaring us all.

Then she had an idea. She told us to check behind a mud wall outside. We were terrified, but the three of us ran through the rain to a small shed. When we knocked, an old lady with white hair opened the door, looking confused to see us. My sister nervously asked, “Aggi pette?” (Matchbox).

The woman understood and, instead of handing us the whole box, carefully gave us just two matchsticks. We ran back home, shielding them from the rain. When Mum finally lit the lamp, the warm glow filled the room, and for the first time that night, we could see each other’s faces.

That was the night we found the light.

As I finished the story, Mum smiled. Her nausea had faded, and she looked peaceful. My brother vaguely remembered the town and the old woman.

Even in the darkest moments, we always find light.

Around the world today –

• Russia Ukraine War – The Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen significant developments. Russian forces have intensified operations in the Kursk region, leading to the collapse of the northern part of the Ukrainian salient. Concurrently, Ukraine has expressed willingness to enter a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon mutual agreement, aiming to halt hostilities and facilitate peace negotiations.

• Middle Eastern war – Today Israel ordered the cessation of electricity supplies to Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and extending the ceasefire agreement. This action has significantly impacted Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, affecting essential services like water desalination and sewage treatment. (NYpost).

• Advancement of AI – a high-tech studio focused on using AI to empower artists, backed by a $400 million investment from Tokyo-based gaming company Nexon.

Three things I’m Grateful for today!

• I’m thankful for my car seats—they’re incredibly comfortable.
• I’m grateful for our family cook.
• So grateful that today was a relaxing Sunday.

What would it take for me and for you to wake up 10 x times bigger, thicker, muscular, more energetic, confident, happy, healthy, do some pushups in the morning, everything to be okay with family, friends, and everyone around, then have a relaxing, relaxing, yet a productive day tomorrow?

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Goodnight & good luck!

— Ash Khaleem