Scene 1 — A Small Victory in Room 207
The soft light of the hospital room glowed faintly against the pale blue walls. Machines beeped rhythmically beside Kamran's bed, each sound a reminder of the fragile progress he was making. It was late evening—almost 9:45 pm—and the atmosphere carried a blend of exhaustion and hope.
Kamran's eyes fluttered open, heavier than usual but clearer than the previous days. Aneela stood beside him, adjusting the pillow behind his back. Maryam watched from the other side, hands folded, silently praying.
A nurse entered with a small paper cup and a straw.
"Let's try again, okay, Mr. Kamran? Just a little sip today."
Aneela nodded eagerly. "Yes… he's looking much better today."
Kamran blinked slowly, gaze shifting toward the cup. His lips parted slightly.
Maryam leaned closer. "You can do it… slowly, okay? No rush."
The nurse placed the straw at his lips. Kamran's dry throat tightened, then relaxed, and he pulled in a small sip. A very small one—barely a teaspoon.
For a second, everyone held their breath.
Then Kamran swallowed.
Aneela gasped softly. "Alhamdulillah… he did it."
Maryam's eyes brightened with relief. "This is progress… real progress."
The nurse smiled, noting something on her chart. "Very good. He tolerated water well. Tomorrow we'll try a few more milliliters."
Maryam leaned close to Kamran's ear and whispered gently, "You're getting better… step by step."
Kamran blinked once—slow, deliberate—as if acknowledging her words.
Aneela wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Today feels like light after so many dark days."
Maryam placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And tomorrow will be even brighter, InshaAllah."
Haroon, standing in the corner, nodded. "I think tonight you both should rest, really rest. Especially you, Maryam."
Aneela turned immediately. "Yes. I insist this time. You have been awake since last night. Please go home and sleep properly."
Maryam opened her mouth to protest, but Aneela raised her palm.
"No arguments. If you fall sick, who will help me here?"
Haroon added gently, "She's right. You need at least one full night of sleep."
Maryam let out a soft breath. "Okay… fine. I'll go. But call me instantly if anything changes. Anything."
Aneela hugged her. "Of course. Go with peace, Maryam."
Haroon gathered his jacket. Maryam looked once more at Kamran.
"He's stable," Haroon said. "And Aneela is here. You can rest tonight."
Maryam touched Kamran's hand softly. "Good night… get well soon."
His eyes closed, resting peacefully.
At 10:00 pm sharp, Maryam and Haroon stepped out of Room 207.
---
Scene 2 — The Ride Back Home
The hospital corridor was quiet at this hour, with most visitors gone. Maryam and Haroon walked side by side, their footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floor.
"You look exhausted," Haroon commented as they reached the elevator.
"I feel exhausted," Maryam replied, brushing her hair back. "But I'm glad Kamran drank water… even a little."
"That's a big milestone," Haroon said, pressing the elevator button. "Things will get easier now."
The elevator arrived, empty. They stepped inside.
Maryam leaned against the wall, closing her eyes for a moment.
"You know," Haroon said with a small smile, "the boys must be turning the house upside down."
Maryam chuckled softly. "That's what I'm afraid of. Rimsha with two little monsters… Allah help her."
Haroon laughed. "She's strong. But I bet she will be waiting to hand them over the minute we reach."
The elevator beeped as it reached the ground floor. They walked out into the cool 10 pm breeze.
Outside, the parking lot lights shimmered. Haroon unlocked the car, and Maryam settled into the passenger seat, sinking back with relief.
The drive home was quiet and peaceful. The streets were nearly empty, the city lights reflecting gently through the windshield.
After fifteen minutes, they turned into their neighborhood.
As Haroon pulled up in front of the house, Maryam stared at the softly lit windows.
"They're awake," she murmured.
Haroon sighed. "Of course they are."
---
Scene 3 — The House of Little Chaos
Maryam unlocked the main door with her keys. The door opened with a familiar click.
Inside, laughter echoed through the living room.
Rimsha's voice was heard first:
"Ubaid! I know you are behind the sofa! And Irfan—you better not be inside that laundry basket again!"
Maryam covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh.
Haroon whispered, "Looks like she's losing."
Maryam stepped inside quietly.
Rimsha was in the center of the room, hands on her hips, spinning left and right, frustrated and tired.
"Where did they go?! These two… I swear—"
Maryam whispered from behind her, "Do you need help?"
Rimsha jumped slightly. "Oh! You're back! Alhamdulillah! Please, please help me!"
Maryam smiled. "I already know where they are."
Rimsha groaned. "How?!"
Maryam winked. "Mama knows their favorite places to hide."
Haroon chuckled and folded his arms. "This will be interesting."
---
Scene 4 — The Hunt Begins
Maryam placed her finger on her lips, signaling for silence.
Rimsha tip-toed beside her, hopeful and desperate.
Maryam whispered, "Okay… first target: Ubaid."
She walked slowly to the guest bedroom door and knelt beside the curtain.
Rimsha frowned. "Behind the curtain? But I checked there!"
Maryam grinned. "Not properly."
She pulled the curtain slightly—revealing Ubaid, curled like a tiny ball, giggling silently.
"Found you," Maryam whispered.
Ubaid burst into laughter and hugged her. "Mama! How did you know?!"
Maryam tapped his nose. "Because I always know."
Haroon laughed loudly from the living room. "One down, one to go."
Rimsha whispered, "Irfan is the real troublemaker. I checked everywhere!"
Maryam stood and dusted her hands playfully. "Rimsha, your first mistake was checking everywhere."
"What does that even mean?"
"You have to think like them."
Rimsha stared at her blankly. "I… don't think I can think that small."
Maryam giggled softly. "Watch."
She walked toward the kitchen.
Rimsha followed. "Not the kitchen. I swear he's not—"
Maryam opened the lower cabinet where the extra pots were kept.
Inside, little Irfan sat squished between two saucepans, arms wrapped around his knees, eyes wide and mischievous.
"Mama! No! How did you find me?!"
Maryam lifted him gently. "Because Mama knows."
Haroon leaned on the doorframe, laughing. "Rimsha, you were playing against a champion."
Rimsha threw her hands up dramatically. "I give up. I resign. I cannot handle these two without official training."
Maryam hugged her. "You did well, honestly. They exhausted me at that age too."
Ubaid tugged on Maryam's dress. "Mama, did you win the game?"
Maryam kissed his forehead. "Always."
---
Scene 5 — Settling Back into Home
Maryam took a deep breath, the familiar comfort of home washing over her. The boys clung to her legs, excited by her return.
"Mama, Mama, Mama—" both boys chanted together.
Rimsha sighed in relief and collapsed on the sofa. "Thank Allah you're home."
Haroon grinned. "Let me get some water for everyone."
Maryam picked up Irfan and kissed his cheek. "You miss me?"
He nodded. "Yes… Rimsha aunty doesn't know how to find us."
Maryam laughed. "I noticed."
Ubaid climbed onto her lap too. "Mama, tomorrow can we play again?"
"InshaAllah," she said, hugging both boys tightly.
Rimsha looked toward Maryam with a tired smile. "How was Kamran?"
Maryam's face softened. "Better today. He drank water… the first time in days."
Rimsha's eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing!"
Haroon returned with glasses of water. "Small step but big hope."
They all sat down together. Maryam rubbed her temples lightly. Despite the joy of being home, exhaustion seeped deep into her bones.
Rimsha noticed. "You should sleep. I'll put them to bed."
"No," Maryam said softly, "let them stay a little. I missed them."
Ubaid rested his head on her shoulder. "Mama, are you tired?"
Maryam kissed the top of his head. "A little, but seeing you makes me strong."
Haroon placed a hand on the back of the sofa. "We should eat something too."
Rimsha nodded. "I made chicken curry earlier. It's still warm."
Maryam smiled. "Perfect."
---
Scene 6 — Dinner and Peace
The small dining table looked unusually warm tonight. Haroon reheated the curry while Rimsha laid out plates. The boys sat beside Maryam, still buzzing from their game.
As they began eating, Rimsha asked, "Will you go back to the hospital tomorrow?"
"Yes," Maryam replied. "Early morning."
Haroon added, "I'll go with her."
Rimsha folded her arms playfully. "Then I'll have another round with the boys."
Ubaid giggled. "But you never find us!"
Maryam smiled warmly. "She will… after some training."
Rimsha groaned. "Yes, please train me."
Everyone laughed softly.
The meal was simple but comforting. After dinner, Maryam guided the boys to their room, reading them a short bedtime story. They fell asleep quickly, tired from their hide-and-seek adventure.
Maryam kissed their foreheads and returned to the living room.
Haroon looked at her. "Feel better now?"
"Yes," she said, exhaling deeply. "Home… always feels like healing."
Rimsha smiled. "And tomorrow will be another step forward."
Maryam nodded. "InshaAllah."
---
Scene 7 — A Night of Rest
It was nearing midnight when Maryam finally entered her bedroom. She lay down on the soft mattress, the comfort almost overwhelming after so many nights at the hospital.
Haroon passed by her door and said softly, "Goodnight, Maryam. Sleep deeply. You deserve it."
She smiled tiredly. "Goodnight."
The house was quiet. The streets outside were calm.
For the first time in days, Maryam closed her eyes without the weight of immediate worry.
Kamran was stable. The children were safe.
Tomorrow could wait.
Tonight… she rested.
---
End of Chapter