Scene 1: ATS Headquarters – A Quiet Morning
The morning sun filtered through the large glass windows of the Anti-Terrorist Squad headquarters, casting long rectangular shadows across the polished floor. DSP Haroon sat behind his wide office desk, files neatly stacked on one side, his laptop open on the other. The atmosphere was unusually calm—no urgent calls, no sudden briefings, no red alerts flashing on screens.
For the first time in many weeks, Haroon allowed himself to breathe slowly.
He adjusted his chair, picked up a pen, and pulled a printed form closer. At the top, bold letters read:
LEAVE APPLICATION
Haroon read it once, then began filling it carefully.
"Seven days," he murmured to himself, writing the dates clearly.
His hand paused for a moment as he smiled faintly. A wedding in the family. Rimsha's wedding. Something beautiful, something human, something far removed from bombs, operations, and classified files.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Sir?" a constable peeked in.
"Yes, come in," Haroon said, looking up.
The constable entered respectfully. "Sir, the morning briefing files are ready, but there's nothing urgent."
Haroon nodded. "Good. Ask Inspector Haseeb to come in."
A few minutes later, Inspector Haseeb entered, holding a notebook.
"You called me, sir?"
Haroon handed him the leave application. "I'm applying for seven days' leave. Family wedding."
Haseeb smiled. "About time, sir. Everyone was wondering when you'd take a break."
Haroon smiled lightly. "The department won't stop breathing without me."
Haseeb laughed. "Barely, sir."
Haroon continued, "Also, inform the entire ATS staff. They're all invited to the wedding events. Mehndi, Nikah, Valima—formal invitation cards will reach them today or tomorrow."
Haseeb's eyes widened slightly. "That's very generous, sir."
"They're my team," Haroon said simply. "They've stood with me through fire. They're family."
"Yes, sir," Haseeb replied with respect.
After Haseeb left, Haroon leaned back in his chair, looking at the framed photograph on his desk—Maryam, Ubaid, and Irfan smiling at the camera. His lips curved into a gentle smile.
---
Scene 2: A Call That Changes the Route
By noon, Haroon wrapped up his work, signed a few final documents, and stood up, slipping his coat over his shoulders.
"Sir, have a good day," a junior officer said as Haroon walked past.
"You too," Haroon replied.
Just as he reached the corridor, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Event Management – Manager Faisal
"Assalamualaikum," Haroon answered.
"Walaikum Assalam, DSP Haroon," the manager said politely. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Not at all. Go ahead."
"Sir, since only two days are left, I wanted to personally walk you through the final decoration plan at the banquet hall. If you're available, we can meet there."
Haroon checked his watch. "Yes, I'm free now. I'll come directly."
"That would be great, sir."
Haroon ended the call and turned toward the parking area, his route changing smoothly—duty blending into celebration.
---
Scene 3: Banquet Hall – Final Touches
The banquet hall stood tall and elegant, its exterior freshly polished, lights installed neatly around the entrance. Workers moved in and out, carrying boxes of décor items, rolls of fabric, and floral arrangements.
Manager Faisal greeted Haroon warmly at the entrance.
"Welcome, sir."
Haroon shook hands. "Let's see what you've planned."
They walked inside. The vast hall echoed slightly, still empty but full of promise.
Faisal gestured around. "For the mehndi, we're going with vibrant yellows and greens. Marigold flowers, traditional truck-art-inspired backdrops, fairy lights—nothing too heavy, very lively."
Haroon nodded. "Good. It should feel joyful, not crowded."
"For the Nikah," Faisal continued, "we'll switch to elegant whites, gold accents, and soft lighting. Minimal, graceful."
"And catering?" Haroon asked.
"All finalized," Faisal replied confidently. "Traditional menu for mehndi—chaat, BBQ, desserts. Nikah dinner will be more formal. Everything will be ready before time."
Haroon walked slowly through the hall, imagining the laughter, music, and emotions that would soon fill the empty space.
"Make sure there's enough space for families," Haroon said. "No chaos."
Faisal smiled. "You'll be proud, sir. Everything will be perfect."
Haroon nodded. "I trust you."
As they exited, Haroon looked back once more. Two days. Just two days.
---
Scene 4: Maryam's House – Ironing, Laughter, and Chaos
Back at Maryam's house, the atmosphere was entirely different—warm, noisy, and alive.
In the living room, colorful dresses were spread across sofas and chairs. An ironing board stood in the center, steam rising as Maryam pressed a bright yellow outfit carefully.
"Careful with the dupatta!" one cousin exclaimed.
"I am careful," Maryam replied, smiling. "This fabric is sensitive."
Rimsha sat nearby, holding hangers, sorting clothes by event.
"This one is for mehndi," she said, holding up a heavily embroidered dress.
"And this?" a cousin asked.
"Nikah," Rimsha replied softly, her cheeks slightly pink.
Two other cousins folded clothes, laughing.
"I still can't believe the mehndi is day after tomorrow," one of them said.
Maryam hung the ironed dress in the large wardrobe, already filled with neatly arranged outfits.
"Believe it," Maryam said. "And don't mix the dresses. Labels are important."
Ubaid ran through the hallway, nearly bumping into Irfan.
"Stop running!" Maryam called out.
"We're helping!" Irfan protested.
Maryam laughed. "Helping doesn't mean racing."
Rimsha looked at her sister with affection. "Aapi, you've done so much."
Maryam placed the iron aside for a moment. "That's what sisters do."
---
Scene 5: Small Moments, Big Feelings
As afternoon turned into evening, clothes were finally arranged, hung, and covered carefully.
Maryam wiped her forehead. "That's enough for today."
One cousin stretched. "I feel like I've ironed my own wedding clothes."
Everyone laughed.
Rimsha stood quietly near the wardrobe, touching the sleeve of her mehndi dress.
Maryam noticed and walked over. "Nervous?"
Rimsha nodded. "A little."
Maryam placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's normal. You're not alone."
Outside, the sound of Haroon's car pulling in could be heard.
"He's back," someone said.
Maryam smiled, knowing the day had brought progress on every front—duty, family, and celebration.
Two days remained.
And with every passing hour, the wedding wasn't just approaching—it was unfolding, piece by piece, in offices, halls, and homes filled with love.