The cool Portland evening was filled with the gentle hum of city life as Maryam, Ayesha, Ubaid, little Khadija, and Umar made their way into a cozy Pakistani restaurant just a few blocks from Ayesha's home. The restaurant, named "Lahori Bites," was warmly lit with intricate wooden carvings adorning the walls, and the tantalizing aroma of spices filled the air. It was a small, family-run place, known for its authentic Pakistani cuisine, and Ayesha had been eager to bring Maryam here for a long time.
As they entered, a friendly waiter in traditional shalwar kameez greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome! Please, have a seat. Would you like a table near the window?"
"Yes, please!" Ayesha said cheerfully, leading the way.
They settled into their seats—Maryam sitting beside Ayesha, while Ubaid helped Khadija and Umar into their chairs. The restaurant was lively but not overcrowded, with soft ghazals playing in the background, adding to the comfortable ambiance.
Ayesha turned to Maryam with excitement in her eyes. "Have you ever eaten biryani before?"
Maryam smiled hesitantly. "No, I haven't. In fact, I hadn't even heard about it until today."
Ayesha gasped in mock shock. "Oh, then you're in for a treat! You must try it. Trust me, you'll love it."
Without waiting for further discussion, Ayesha waved over the waiter and ordered their meal. "One large chicken biryani, some seekh kebabs, and yogurt sauce, please. And extra raita on the side."
"Great choice, ma'am. Anything to drink?" the waiter asked.
"We'll have green tea for the adults and soft drinks for the kids," Ayesha replied with a smile.
As they waited for their meal, they chatted about Maryam's first month at work. "How are you finding the school? Are the kids treating you well?" Ubaid asked.
Maryam nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! It was tiring at first, but I've gotten used to the routine now. And the kids are wonderful. They remind me of the innocence I missed out on in my own childhood."
Ayesha placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You've come a long way, Maryam. I'm so proud of you."
Just then, the waiter returned with their food. The sight of the biryani—a fragrant, golden pile of rice with tender pieces of chicken, garnished with crispy fried onions and fresh cilantro—made Maryam pause. She looked at it curiously, unsure of how it would taste.
"Go on, try it!" Ayesha encouraged.
Maryam hesitated for a moment before taking a small spoonful. The moment the flavors hit her tongue—the blend of spices, the juicy chicken, the perfect balance of warmth and zest—her eyes widened.
"This is… delicious!" she exclaimed. "Why haven't I had this before?"
Ayesha laughed. "I knew you'd love it! Pakistani food has a way of winning hearts."
They all dug in, enjoying the meal as laughter and conversation filled the air. Even little Khadija and Umar happily munched on kebabs, their faces lighting up with delight.
Once they had finished, the waiter cleared the table and returned with their drinks. Maryam sipped the green tea, savoring the warm, soothing flavor. "This is perfect after such a heavy meal," she remarked.
As the evening drew to a close, the waiter brought the bill to the table. Maryam quickly reached for it. "No, no, no—this is my treat! No one else is paying tonight."
Ayesha's expression softened. She knew how much this first salary meant to Maryam—how much this money represented her first step towards independence and self-worth. But at the same time, she didn't want Maryam to spend everything in one night.
"Maryam, I appreciate this, but are you sure? This is $120, and I know this money matters to you."
Maryam gave a reassuring smile. "Ayesha, please. This is not just about money. This is about gratitude. You and your family have given me so much—love, support, a home. This is the least I can do."
Seeing the determination in Maryam's eyes, Ayesha relented. "Alright, then. Thank you, Maryam. But next time, it's on me."
"Deal," Maryam agreed, grinning.
They left the restaurant feeling full and content, the chilly night air refreshing against their skin. As they walked back home, Maryam felt a sense of happiness she hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time, she was not just surviving—she was living.
Back at the house, Ayesha turned to Maryam before heading inside. "Tonight was special. Not just because of the food, but because of you. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Maryam."
Maryam smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Thank you, Ayesha. I finally feel like I'm starting to find my place."
With that, they stepped inside, the night ending on a note of joy, laughter, and newfound hope for the future.