Miracles DO happen.

"Mama! Have you seen my German book?"

"Didn't you take it to your grandparent's place?"

"Yes, but I'm sure I brought it back - and I can't find it anywhere!"

"It'll come up - don't worry"

This is kind of how the conversation went when I lost my German book in the middle of the semester. No matter where I searched - in my very messy closet, on my cluttered dressing table or even underneath the covers of my bed - I just couldn't find it. "How could a book that noticeable just ... disappear?" - "I must have dropped it on my way out of the car" "Or perhaps I left it at my grandparents place?" These were the thoughts that kept swirling through my head the entire time. A constant reminder that I was missing something and that if I didn't find it  as soon as possible, I was a goner. A number was dialed and my grandmother picked up on the other end. "No, dear, your book isn't here". I sighed as I placed the receiver back down. Every time I would rack my memory for the exact place where I had left the book when I had come home - I would be greeted with a black empty space and a headache.

The book seemed to have vanished.  Or at least that's the story I went with seeing as there was no other explanation.

 ***

The next day I walked towards my professor's office: twiddling my fingers as I knocked on her door and was welcomed in with a huge smile and a gesture to have a seat. My professor who can see right through me, knew this wasn't a spontaneous visit which is usually the case. I promptly related to her the entire situation, starting with the visit to my grandparent's place and ending with the disappearance of my German book.

"It's gone. Vanished into thin air!"

She just smiled at me.

"I was thinking perhaps I could buy another book from you?"

 She told me I could borrow a set until my copy turned up, on which I commented that it was very unlikely. Thanking her graciously, I exited the office.

 ***

Weeks passed and as expected my copy had still not turned up. Whenever it would cross my mind: I would remind myself of the money that was still due if I were to keep the borrowed one.

"180 riyals? - Maybe you should wait a little longer for your copy to turn up"

"It's not going to turn up. I even sent Salat ala Nabi* - nothing"  I shook my head disappointedly. "I'd love to have my own back but if I can't find it - I've got to pay the money"

***

It was the day of the final exam and right after completing my paper I made a bee line straight to my professor's office with my 500 riyal note in my pocket. Upon entering - I handed her the money, apologizing greatly for the late payment.

"Why, you didn't have to. I'd completely forgotten!" She exclaimed in surprise.

I smiled and replied: "But I never did"

Reaching into her wallet she realized after a moment that she didn't have any change and so told me to come back tomorrow.

***

As I sat revising for my exam the next morning I felt a familiar buzz against my side pocket and reached out to pull out my mobile. The caller ID read: Ma. Confused as to why my mother would be calling me when she knew I'd be in an exam in a few minutes: I pressed the receive button.

"Assalamualaikum?"*

Her voice filled my ear.

"Yumna, I found your German book"

---

Moral:  You never know when a situation in your life is a test - just do the right thing  and you will be rewarded in ways in which you can't even imagine. 

*Sending Salat ala Nabi (blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) helps during difficult times. 
*A Muslim greeting meaning: Peace be upon you.