Scene 1: Before the Curtain Rises – Bridal Photoshoot
The banquet hall glowed in shades of yellow and gold. Fairy lights cascaded from the ceiling, marigold garlands framed the stage, and soft instrumental music played in the background. Before the guests fully settled, a quieter but equally important moment unfolded—Rimsha's bridal photoshoot.
Rimsha stood near the stage, dressed in a bright yellow mehndi outfit, delicately embroidered with green and gold thread. Her hands were freshly adorned with henna, the designs still darkening. Her bangles chimed softly every time she moved.
"Chin a little up," the photographer said gently.
"Yes… perfect. Hold that smile."
Rimsha tried to relax, but her heart was racing. Maryam stood just a few steps away, watching her younger sister with proud, moist eyes.
"You're doing great," Maryam whispered between shots. "Just breathe."
Rimsha nodded, smiling again as the camera clicked.
The photographer guided her through different poses—one with her dupatta slightly lifted, another with her hands folded shyly, then one where she glanced sideways, pretending not to notice the camera.
"Beautiful," the photographer said. "Natural smile, please."
Rimsha laughed softly. "I'm trying."
Cousins giggled from behind the camera lights.
"She looks like a proper bride already!" one of them said.
After individual shots, Maryam joined Rimsha for a few pictures.
"Sisters together," the photographer announced.
Maryam placed a gentle hand on Rimsha's shoulder. The camera captured not just a pose, but years of shared memories—childhood, struggles, love, and protection.
Then came group photos. Cousins crowded around, laughing and adjusting their dupattas. Ubaid and Irfan stood proudly in front, smiling wide.
"Say mehndi!" the photographer called.
"Mehndi!" everyone echoed, laughter filling the hall.
---
Scene 2: 8:30 PM – Arrival of the Groom's Family
At exactly 8:30 pm, a sudden buzz spread through the hall.
"They're here!" someone whispered excitedly.
Outside, Imran arrived with his parents, relatives, and close family friends. He wore a white kurta with subtle embroidery, looking nervous yet composed. His parents walked beside him, dignified and smiling.
As they entered, rose and tulip petals showered over them. Soft clapping turned into warm applause.
"Welcome, welcome!" Maryam said, stepping forward with a smile.
Haroon stood beside her, greeting Imran's father with respect.
"Bohat khushi hui aap ko dekh kar," Haroon said.
Imran's mother smiled warmly. "Khushi to humein hai."
Two young cousins carried a beautifully decorated mehndi tray. It was filled with henna cones, colorful bangles, dry fruits, and a bowl of halwa placed neatly in the center.
"This is from our side," Imran's aunt said, handing it forward. "With lots of prayers."
Maryam accepted it with gratitude. "Ameen. Please come, everyone."
The guests were guided to their seats as soft traditional music played.
---
Scene 3: The Stage – Bride and Groom Together
Once everyone settled, the lights dimmed slightly, focusing on the stage.
Rimsha and Imran were guided to the stage sofa. Rimsha walked carefully, supported by Maryam, while Imran followed with his parents' encouraging smiles behind him.
As they sat side by side, a quiet hush fell over the hall.
For a moment, they didn't look at each other.
Then Imran whispered softly, "Are you okay?"
Rimsha nodded, her eyes lowered. "Yes."
One by one, relatives from both sides were invited onto the stage.
An elder aunt came first, placing her hand on Rimsha's head.
"Allah tum dono ko hamesha khush rakhe."
She fed both Rimsha and Imran a piece of mithai.
Cousins followed, laughing, teasing.
"Don't drop the sweet!" one joked.
Imran smiled nervously as Rimsha fed him a small piece of barfi. Cameras flashed endlessly.
Ubaid climbed onto the stage next, holding a laddu carefully.
"Khala, smile," he said seriously.
Everyone laughed.
Irfan clapped loudly. "Photo done!"
The stage remained busy for almost two hours, filled with blessings, laughter, and endless photographs.
---
Scene 4: Music, Dance, and Cousins' Competition
As the formal congratulations ended, the mood shifted.
The DJ increased the volume slightly. Traditional mehndi songs filled the air.
"Dance time!" a cousin shouted.
Girls from Rimsha's side entered the dance floor first, clapping and spinning in circles. Their yellow and green outfits twirled beautifully.
Imran's cousins weren't far behind.
"Let's see who wins!" someone announced.
The dance turned into a friendly competition. One group danced to Punjabi beats, the other responded with classical steps.
Maryam sat near the stage, laughing freely for the first time that night.
Haroon leaned toward her. "Looks like our family doesn't know how to sit quietly."
Maryam smiled. "That's a blessing."
Rimsha watched from the stage, her face glowing—not just with makeup, but with happiness.
---
Scene 5: 11:30 PM – Dinner is Served
At 11:30 pm sharp, the aroma of food spread across the hall.
"Dinner is served," an announcement echoed.
Caterers moved swiftly, serving guests at their tables—chicken handi, beef pulao, naan, raita, salads, and desserts.
Guests ate comfortably where they were seated, chatting and praising the food.
"This handi is amazing," one guest said.
"Yes, perfectly cooked," another agreed.
On stage, Rimsha and Imran remained seated, smiling as relatives passed by.
---
Scene 6: The Departure of the Groom's Family
After dinner, Imran's relatives began preparing to leave.
Imran stood up, slightly hesitant. He walked toward Rimsha.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said quietly.
Rimsha nodded. "Take care."
His parents came forward, exchanging final greetings with Maryam and Haroon.
"Thank you for such a beautiful evening," Imran's mother said.
"It was our honor," Maryam replied warmly.
Imran and his family left the hall, the sound of their footsteps fading slowly.
---
Scene 7: After They Leave – Family Dinner on Stage
Once the groom's side had left, a different calm settled over the hall.
Rimsha relaxed slightly, leaning back on the sofa.
Maryam sat beside her, adjusting her dupatta.
"You did wonderfully."
Rimsha smiled tiredly. "I'm exhausted."
Food was served again—this time for Rimsha's family—right on the stage.
Haroon, Maryam, Rimsha, the cousins, and the children sat together, eating and laughing.
Ubaid yawned. "Mama, can we go home now?"
Maryam laughed softly. "Soon."
Rimsha looked around at her family—at Maryam's caring presence, Haroon's protective calm, the children's innocent joy.
Her eyes filled with quiet gratitude.
The mehndi night had ended, not with noise, but with warmth, fulfillment, and a deep sense of belonging.
The wedding journey was moving forward—one beautiful night at a time.