Mahira stood before the mirror, studying herself as she assessed her body from one angle and then another. Her hand moved gently over her belly, which had begun to protrude and show clearly now. In the past few weeks it had been barely noticeable, easy to ignore but not anymore.

She had recently fallen into the habit of wearing soft, warm maxi dresses that made her feel more comfortable than anything else. And today she wore one of her favourites: a cream-coloured, ankle-length dress with a modest V-neckline and full sleeves that wrapped her in quiet warmth.