It was Ramazan and I was done with my English language paper. I was happy, especially after writing an eccentric tale that would surely leave my teacher baffled beyond belief. Just thinking about it lit up my face and, in the midst of this feeling of elation, I went home. On the way home, my thoughts got a hold of me and began formulating anxiety with utmost subtlety.

However, I fought a psychological battle with myself and managed a soft smile. I swung my bag onto the sofa and headed for the shower in an attempt to shake off the heat outside and get myself refreshed as I was parched due to the fast.

The water crashed into my face, immediately creating a soothing effect. I stayed rooted under the blissful shower, letting all my worries and wariness wash away with the water. Suddenly the washroom door shook violently and I realised it was my mother, giving the door a good beating, which meant I must have spent an eternity in the shower.

Apprehensive, I pulled myself together, changed and slowly opened the door, hoping to not undergo a fate similar to that of the door. Fortunately, my mother had returned to the kitchen. I gathered my books, switched on my laptop and began studying for the exam next day. Pretty soon, exhaustion overcame me and I threw my books aside, totally burnout.

Afterwards, I used the laptop to lighten my mood and soon it was time for the noon prayer. An hour later, I was sitting in the car on the way to the tuition centre. I constantly gazed at my watch, hoping to reach a tad bit early in order to get a good seat. Another class was in progress when I arrived, therefore I grabbed a chair and sat outside.

The people, who were also waiting, were occupied in muffled conversations, twisting and turning their legs, and formulating tight-lipped smiles from time to time. At last, the door creaked open and the students rushed out, resembling a school of fish. The others in my class gradually began to enter and the teacher also arrived and began his lesson.

I tried my best to keep my brain functioning, but the cool winds from the air conditioner, mixed with the chitter chatter of some back benchers, gradually drifted me to sleep, and the teacher’s words faded into an indistinct hum. Before I knew it, the class had wrapped up and I felt one of the students nudging at my shoulder, trying to wake me up. I glanced at him, attempting to smile with heavy eyelids and snatched my bag.

Hopping down the stairs, the pleasant aroma of some food sizzling on skillets wafted into my nose, the rich oil pulling me into a world of my own. I punched a few buttons on my phone and called my driver. His voice was nothing more than a muffle and trying to make out what he was saying became quite complex.

At the spur of the moment, I got a glimpse of him on the other side of a road, standing beside a house and signalling me to come. I strolled to my driver, and this was where I came to know he was worried that the car keys were missing.

“What! Missing? H...h...how?” I inquired. “Are you sure the keys aren’t in your pockets and or lying on the floor?”

Prayer time was inching closer but it was evident I wasn’t going to move a step, for now at least.

“I assure you I thoroughly rummaged my hands into my pockets and they aren’t there, nor are they on the floor.”

I checked the trunk of the car and bent over, imagining the keys to be tucked away beside the tyres.

The driver and I paced back and forth scanning the ground like archaeologists, in the hopes of locating the car keys. However, we were able to yield nothing but disappointment. Finally, the driver resorted to the last possible solution and dialled my father’s number. Our desperation surged by every minute and when my father arrived, his face reflected concern and trepidation. The driver explained the whole situation to him. He instructed the driver to continue his search whilst he took me home in his car.

A couple of minutes had only passed by and my father’s phone started vibrating and after exchanging a few words, his eyes lit up, his face showcasing the complete opposite of what it manifested just a short while ago.

“He found the keys!” he exclaimed with joy.

I knew this was all part of a divine test inflicted upon us in order to teach us vital lessons. Consequently, what turned out to be an anxious day and unfolded into glee and serenity and that too in the blessed month of Ramazan. I was proud of myself to not lose my cool and remain unruffled, especially when I was fasting, reflecting the immense blessings that Ramazan had to offer.

This taught me a crucial lesson to not be careless and instead be mindful, while always trusting God’s plans, and truly He works in unprecedented ways.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 12th, 2025