Aiza twirls in front of the mirror, her excitement barely contained as she glances at the sparkling turquoise dress laid out for her. The aroma of spiced rice wafts from the kitchen, mixing with the sweet scent of rosewater. Mom carefully arranges gifts on the table, each one wrapped in delicate paper and topped with a silver ribbon.
Aiza sits beside Mom, her hands trembling with anticipation. "Hold still, sweetheart. This design will be as beautiful as the moon tonight," Mom murmurs, tracing winding vines onto her daughter's palm. "I want the flowers to reach all the way to my wrists," Aiza whispers, her eyes shining.
Aiza eagerly peels back the layers of her first gift, revealing a delicate bracelet shaped like crescent moons. She beams, her hennaed fingers tracing the intricate silver. "You deserve the world, Aiza. Eid is all about sharing joy," Mom says, her voice gentle and full of love.
Aiza slips into her new dress, the fabric cool and silky against her skin. She admires herself in the mirror, the henna patterns now framing the cuffs of her sleeves. "Tomorrow, everyone will see how beautiful I am," Aiza says, laughing with delight.
Mom wraps Aiza in a gentle hug, whispering wishes for peace and happiness. "May this Eid bring us closer, and may your dreams come true," Mom says. Aiza closes her eyes, imagining the festivities that await.
Aiza sits by the window, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Eid is almost here," she sighs, her voice laced with happiness and longing. The promise of celebration fills the air, as the city prepares to awaken.
