M A Hossain,
My Dearest Ayaana,
As I sit here, pen trembling in my hand, my soul overflows with emotions too vast to contain. How do I put into words the depth of a father’s love? How do I capture the way my heart still swells, even now, when I think of the day you came into this world—the day Allah blessed me with the greatest gift of my life?
It was February 23, 2012, a day etched into my very being, as vivid as if it were yesterday. The moment you took your first breath, the universe shifted. Light poured into our lives, and nothing would ever be the same again. I came to know that the sacred whisper of the Azaan in your tiny ears by your grandfather's voice was trembling with emotion as he welcomed you into this world with faith, love, and gratitude. You were born in Cumilla, in the quiet embrace of a private hospital, yet your arrival sent ripples of joy through our entire existence.
Oh, how my heart ached that night—I was far from you, helpless, praying with every fiber of my being. Your mother, ever the pillar of strength, reassured me, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions she must have felt. But a father’s worry knows no bounds. Sleep eluded me; my mind was only with you and your brave mother. At the first light of dawn, I rushed to you, my soul restless until I could hold you in my arms.
And then—there you were.
So small, so fragile, yet so radiant. The moment I cradled you against my chest, time stood still. Tears blurred my vision as I whispered prayers of thanks to Allah, over and over. In that instant, nothing else mattered—not the distance, not the exhaustion, not the fear. Only "you". Only this miracle in my arms. We named you "Ayaana"—"a gift from Allah," and indeed, you were. A divine blessing, a light that filled every shadow in our hearts.
The days that followed were a symphony of joy. Your grandmothers and uncle rushed to meet you, their faces alight with wonder. Our home, once just walls and memories, became alive with your presence. I remember your first visit to your grandfather’s house in Gafargaon, the way your tiny fingers curled around mine, as if you knew—"you were home."
Oh, my sweet girl, how you glowed in those early years. The way your eyes sparkled when I brought you your first tricycle—bright blue, just like your boundless spirit. You rode it with such delight, your laughter ringing through the garden while your mother watched, her heart swelling with pride. And then came school—your first steps into the world beyond our arms. I remember the way you clung to your books, your curious mind always hungry for more. Your mother, ever your guiding star, ensured you learned not just from textbooks but from the Quran, nurturing your soul as much as your mind.
There were scraped knees, sleepless nights, and the usual childhood sniffles, but through it all, your mother was your guardian angel—her healing hands soothing every ache, her love a constant shelter. And though life, in its unpredictable turns, has placed distance between us, know this, my darling: "not a single second passes where you are not in my heart."
Your laughter still echoes in my dreams. Your smile—bright as the morning sun—fuels my strength. The way you would run to me, your tiny voice calling out, remains my most treasured memory. You carry within you the legacy of our ancestors, the kindness of your mother, and the love of a father who would move mountains for you.
On this birthday, my beloved Ayaana, I bow my head once more in gratitude to Allah. For you. For the privilege of being your father. No distance, no time, no trial can ever diminish the love I hold for you. You are "my purpose, my pride, my eternal joy."
Wherever you go, whatever path you walk, my prayers surround you like an unbreakable shield. May Allah protect you, guide you, and fill your life with endless blessings. And though we may be apart for now, my heart beats for you—today, always, and forever. With all the love a father’s soul can hold, Ameen.
M A Hossain, political and defense analyst based in Bangladesh. He can be reached at: writetomahossain@gmail.com
This article published at :
1. The country today, BD : 25 Feb, 26
2. Asian Age, BD : 26 February, 26
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