Scene 1: Morning Excitement at Maryam's Home
The morning carried a different kind of energy in Maryam's house. The winter sun filtered softly through the curtains, and the air buzzed with excitement that could not be hidden anymore. Wedding preparations had officially begun, and today was marked as the first major shopping day.
Maryam stood near the dining table, checking a neatly written list in her diary. Rimsha sat on the sofa, scrolling through her phone, saving dress designs and beauty parlor references. Haroon adjusted his jacket while Ubaid and Irfan ran around the living room, pretending the sofa was a racing track.
"Rimsha," Maryam said, without looking up, "have you finalized the color tone for your Mehandi dress? Yellow has many shades."
Rimsha looked up, smiling. "Yes, Aapi. I want something warm—mustard yellow with light green and golden embroidery. Not too heavy."
Haroon nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Mehandi should be comfortable. You'll be sitting and meeting people all evening."
Ubaid suddenly stopped running. "Mama, will there be music at Mehandi?"
Maryam smiled. "Of course, beta. Dhol, songs, and dancing."
Irfan clapped his hands. "I will dance!"
Rimsha laughed. "Then I must choose my dress wisely. I don't want Irfan stepping on it while dancing."
Everyone laughed, easing the early-morning tension. Maryam closed her diary. "Alright, let's go. First market, then tailor, then beauty parlor. Long day ahead."
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Scene 2: Traditional Market – Colors, Fabrics, and Laughter
The car stopped near one of Islamabad's busiest traditional markets. Shops overflowed with colorful fabrics, shimmering dupattas, and embroidered suits. The moment they stepped out, Rimsha's eyes lit up.
"Oh my God, Aapi, look at these colors!" she said, pointing toward a fabric shop glowing with yellows, reds, and greens.
Inside the shop, the shopkeeper greeted them warmly. "Assalamualaikum, madam. Wedding shopping?"
Maryam smiled politely. "Yes. Mehandi, Nikah, and Valima."
Rimsha moved from one rack to another, touching fabrics, holding them against herself, imagining how they would look when stitched. Haroon stood nearby, arms folded, amused by the excitement.
"This one," Rimsha said, holding a mustard-yellow fabric, "what do you think, Aapi?"
Maryam examined it carefully. "The color is perfect, but the fabric is a little stiff. You'll need something lighter for Mehandi."
The shopkeeper quickly intervened. "Madam, try this chiffon blend. Light and elegant."
Rimsha's face brightened. "Yes, this feels much better."
Haroon leaned closer. "Approved from my side."
Ubaid tugged at Maryam's sleeve. "Mama, can I get a green kurta like Pakistan flag?"
Maryam laughed. "We'll see, beta."
After finalizing fabrics for Mehandi and Nikah, the family stepped out, hands full of shopping bags and hearts full of excitement.
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Scene 3: Tailor Shop – Measurements and Deadlines
The tailor shop was quieter, filled with the sound of sewing machines and measuring tapes snapping lightly. A middle-aged tailor greeted them respectfully.
"Madam Maryam, welcome. Wedding orders, I assume?"
"Yes," Maryam replied. "Mehandi, Nikah, and Valima dresses."
Rimsha stood patiently as the tailor took her measurements. "Please make sure the Mehandi dress is comfortable," she said. "I don't want heavy work."
The tailor nodded. "Don't worry, baji. Light embroidery, perfect fitting."
Haroon checked his phone and then looked up. "What about Imran's dresses? Sherwani and kurta?"
Maryam replied, "We'll send his measurements tomorrow. Just keep the design ready."
The tailor smiled. "No problem. I'll manage everything before time."
As they left, Rimsha whispered to Maryam, "Aapi, it's all starting to feel real now."
Maryam squeezed her hand gently. "It is real. And it's beautiful."
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Scene 4: Beauty Parlor Appointments
The beauty parlor was bright and fragrant, filled with the scent of flowers and cosmetics. A young receptionist greeted them.
"Appointments?" she asked.
"Yes," Rimsha replied confidently. "For Mehandi, Nikah, and Valima."
The beautician joined them. "What kind of looks are you planning?"
Rimsha explained carefully. "Soft and natural for Mehandi, traditional for Nikah, and elegant for Valima."
Maryam listened attentively. "And please keep everything subtle. She doesn't like heavy makeup."
The beautician smiled. "Understood. We'll do trials one week before the events."
As they stepped out, Rimsha let out a relieved breath. "One more thing done."
Haroon chuckled. "You're handling this like a professional."
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Scene 5: Fast Food Break – Relaxed Moments
By late afternoon, everyone was tired. Haroon suggested, "Let's take a break. There's a good fast-food place nearby."
They sat around a table, fries, burgers, and drinks spread out. The mood lightened instantly.
Ubaid took a big bite. "This is the best shopping ever."
Irfan nodded seriously. "Yes."
Rimsha laughed. "You two are enjoying more than me."
Maryam sipped her drink. "These small moments matter. Later, everything will be busy."
Haroon leaned back. "By the way, I know a very well-known event management team in Islamabad. They handle decoration and catering together. I'll take an appointment with them."
Maryam looked relieved. "That's great. But we also need to arrange a banquet hall for Mehandi and Nikah."
Haroon nodded. "You're right. I'll take another appointment tomorrow. We'll finalize it soon."
Rimsha smiled, looking at both of them. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Aapi… and you too, Bhai."
Haroon replied warmly, "That's what family is for."
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Scene 6: Evening Drive – Chit-Chat and Dreams
The car moved smoothly through the city streets as evening lights flickered on. Rimsha sat quietly for a moment, watching the road.
"Aapi," she said softly, "do you think everything will go smoothly?"
Maryam turned toward her. "There are always small hiccups, but love and patience fix everything."
Haroon added, "And planning helps too. We're doing everything step by step."
Ubaid, half-asleep, murmured, "I will dance at Mehandi."
Everyone smiled.
As they reached home, tired but satisfied, Maryam looked at the shopping bags and then at Rimsha. "Today was just the beginning."
Rimsha nodded, her eyes glowing. "And it already feels special."
The house settled into calm again, carrying within it the excitement, warmth, and promise of the days to come—days filled with colors, laughter, and the quiet joy of family coming together for a new beginning.
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