Scene 1: Dawn at Maryam's House – A House That Woke Up Smiling
The morning arrived differently.
It was not announced by an alarm clock, nor by the usual rush of school mornings. Instead, it came with excitement, soft whispers, footsteps echoing through corridors, and the smell of tea brewing earlier than usual.
Maryam woke up before Fajr. She sat up in bed for a moment, listening. The house was already alive.
She smiled to herself.
Today is the day.
She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and stepped out into the hallway. From the kitchen came the sound of utensils clinking. Rimsha was already there.
"You're awake?" Maryam asked softly.
Rimsha turned, her face glowing despite the early hour. "I couldn't sleep at all, Aapi."
Maryam laughed quietly. "I knew it."
Rimsha poured tea into cups. "I kept thinking—mehndi, lights, guests—what if something goes wrong?"
Maryam took a cup and sat at the small dining table. "Something always goes wrong. And yet, everything becomes right."
Rimsha relaxed a little. "You always say that."
"And I'm always right," Maryam replied playfully.
From the living room, Ubaid's sleepy voice echoed. "Mama… is it morning?"
Maryam called back, "Yes, my hero. Go wash your face."
Irfan appeared behind his brother, rubbing his eyes. "Is today the function?"
"Yes," Rimsha said, bending down to his level. "Today your khala's mehndi."
Irfan grinned. "Will there be sweets?"
"Plenty," Maryam assured.
Soon Haroon joined them, freshly showered, sleeves rolled up.
"Assalamualaikum," he said.
"Walaikum Assalam," both sisters replied.
Haroon looked around the kitchen. "I see I'm late."
Maryam smiled. "For once, yes."
They sat together for breakfast—parathas, omelets, tea, and laughter. It wasn't rushed. It was warm, intentional, full of meaning.
"This breakfast," Haroon said, "feels like a milestone."
Maryam nodded. "Because it is."
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Scene 2: Mid-Morning – Final Checks and Controlled Chaos
By mid-morning, the house had transformed into a command center.
Garment bags hung from door handles. Shoes were lined neatly near the stairs. Cousins arrived one by one, each bringing energy, gossip, and excitement.
"Where's the yellow dupatta?" one cousin asked.
"In the wardrobe—second shelf," Maryam replied without looking up.
"Has the bus been confirmed?" another asked.
"Yes," Haroon answered from the phone. "Driver is on standby."
Rimsha sat in the bedroom while Maryam helped her sort jewelry.
"These bangles for mehndi," Maryam said, arranging them carefully. "Don't mix them with nikah jewelry."
Rimsha nodded, suddenly emotional. "Aapi…"
Maryam looked up. "Yes?"
Rimsha hesitated. "Thank you. For everything."
Maryam smiled gently. "We'll talk after the functions. Right now, save your emotions."
Rimsha laughed, wiping her eyes. "You know me too well."
At noon, lunch was simple but filling. Everyone ate together again, sitting wherever space allowed.
Haroon stood up afterward. "I'll head to the banquet hall now. Event team is waiting."
Maryam nodded. "I'll call if we need anything."
Before leaving, Haroon turned to Rimsha. "Enjoy every moment."
Rimsha smiled shyly. "I will."
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Scene 3: Afternoon – The Beauty Parlor Ritual
After lunch, Maryam and Rimsha changed into simple clothes and stepped outside.
The car ride to the beauty parlor was quiet at first. Rimsha looked out the window, watching familiar streets pass by.
"You remember," Rimsha said softly, "how we used to pass this road every day?"
Maryam nodded. "Life changes fast."
At the parlor, they were welcomed warmly.
"Bride is here!" one of the staff exclaimed.
Rimsha blushed instantly.
Maryam smiled. "Handle her gently. She's already nervous."
They were seated in separate chairs, mirrors reflecting anticipation.
As treatments began, Rimsha whispered, "Aapi, do you remember your mehndi day?"
Maryam smiled at her reflection. "Like it was yesterday."
"Were you scared?"
"Yes," Maryam admitted. "But also happy. That's the balance."
Rimsha closed her eyes as the facial continued. "I want everything to be simple and beautiful."
"And it will be," Maryam assured. "Because happiness doesn't need perfection."
Hours passed in soft conversations, laughter with the staff, and quiet moments of reflection.
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Scene 4: Parallel Preparations – Home and Hall
Back at home, cousins filled the house with music. Dresses were laid out. Makeup kits opened.
"Play the mehndi song!" someone shouted.
Ubaid and Irfan danced in the hallway, clapping.
"Not so loud!" an elder cousin warned, laughing.
At the banquet hall, Haroon supervised the final setup.
"Lights here need to be slightly warmer," he said.
"Yes, sir," the decorator replied.
Marigolds hung beautifully. The stage glowed with yellow fabric and fairy lights.
Haroon stood back, hands on his hips, visualizing the evening.
"This looks good," he said finally.
The manager smiled. "By evening, it'll be magical."
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Scene 5: Evening – Returning Home to Transform
By early evening, Maryam and Rimsha returned home.
The moment Rimsha stepped inside, everyone gasped.
"Wow!" a cousin exclaimed. "You look radiant."
Rimsha smiled shyly.
"Now," Maryam said, clapping once, "everyone get ready. No delays."
Rooms turned into dressing zones. Laughter, perfume, and the rustle of fabric filled the air.
Haroon arrived home shortly after, carrying garment bags.
"All set," he announced.
"Just in time," Maryam replied.
He changed quickly, putting on a crisp traditional outfit.
As the sun dipped, excitement rose.
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Scene 6: The Bus and the Journey
Outside, the hired bus waited, decorated with small ribbons.
"Everyone inside!" Haroon called.
One by one, family members boarded, chatting loudly.
Ubaid took a window seat. "Mama, I can see everything!"
Irfan waved at the neighbors.
Maryam helped Rimsha up the steps.
"Ready?" she asked softly.
Rimsha took a deep breath. "Yes."
The bus doors closed. The engine started.
As the bus moved, songs played softly, laughter filling the space.
Maryam looked around—at family, at joy, at togetherness.
She whispered to herself, "Alhamdulillah."
Ahead, lights of the banquet hall shimmered in the distance.
The mehndi night was waiting.