Scene One: Morning Calm at Maryam's House
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of Maryam's house, carrying with it a strange stillness. After days of color, music, laughter, and crowds, this day felt different—quiet, heavy, and meaningful. It was the vacant day before the Nikah, a pause between celebrations, where emotions settled deep in the heart.
Maryam stood in the kitchen, stirring tea on the stove. Her movements were calm, practiced, yet her mind was busy calculating timings, items, and responsibilities. Rimsha sat at the dining table, flipping the corner of her dupatta between her fingers.
"You didn't sleep properly again?" Maryam asked gently, without turning around.
Rimsha smiled faintly. "Sleep comes and goes, apa. My mind doesn't listen anymore."
Maryam placed two cups of tea on the table and sat beside her sister. "That's normal. Tomorrow your life changes. Anyone would feel like this."
Rimsha nodded, eyes lowered. "Today feels… strange. No music, no crowd. Just waiting."
"That's because today is about responsibility," Maryam replied softly. "Not celebration."
From the lounge, the sound of morning news played low on the television. Haroon walked in, buttoning his shirt sleeves.
"I spoke to Imran's father last night," Haroon said. "They'll reach around one in the afternoon. Just his parents and a few male cousins, as discussed."
Maryam nodded. "Lunch will be ready by then. Everything is arranged."
Rimsha looked up. "He's really not coming, right?"
Haroon answered calmly, "No. This visit is elders-only. It's tradition."
Rimsha looked relieved and slightly disappointed at the same time, but she said nothing.
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Scene Two: Preparing the Dowry Items
By mid-morning, the house became quietly busy. Large cartons were brought from the storeroom, labeled carefully. Maryam supervised everything with a list in her hand.
"Bedroom set—check. Crockery—handled carefully. Washing machine and fridge are ready for loading," she said.
Two female cousins helped wrap glass items in bubble sheets. Rimsha stood nearby, watching silently.
One cousin whispered teasingly, "Bhabhi banne wali ho, aur itni chup?"
Rimsha smiled politely. "Bas dua kar rahi hoon."
Maryam intervened gently, "Let her be. This day isn't easy."
Rimsha walked into her room for a moment. She looked at the neatly folded clothes, the jewelry boxes, the small things she had used all her life. Everything now felt temporary, as if the room itself knew she would soon leave.
She touched the wooden cupboard softly. "Aaj tum bhi alvida keh rahe ho," she whispered.
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Scene Three: Arrival of Groom's Family
At exactly 1:10 PM, two cars stopped outside the house. Haroon stepped forward as the gate opened. Imran's father, Hameed sahib, stepped out first, followed by Kulsoom begum and two male cousins.
Haroon greeted them warmly. "Assalam-o-Alaikum, welcome."
"Walikum salam," Hameed replied with a smile. "Allah khair rakhe."
Maryam appeared at the door, her dupatta neatly placed. "Khush amdeed. Please come inside."
They were guided to the drawing room. Tea and snacks were served respectfully. The atmosphere was formal but warm.
Kulsoom begum looked around appreciatively. "Mashallah, everything is arranged with so much care."
Maryam smiled politely. "We are just doing our duty."
Rimsha entered briefly, greeted them softly, and sat quietly beside Maryam. She avoided eye contact, her posture respectful and reserved.
Hameed sahib cleared his throat. "As per tradition, we've come today to complete the remaining formalities."
Haroon nodded. "Everything is ready."
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Scene Four: Formal Discussion and Respectful Words
Lunch was served—simple but elegant. No loud conversation, only necessary words. After lunch, the elders sat again.
Kulsoom begum spoke carefully. "Beti hamari amanat hai. Jo kuch bhi aaj liya ja raha hai, hum isey zimmedari samajh kar le rahe hain."
Maryam responded firmly yet respectfully. "Aur hum yeh sab apni khushi se de rahe hain. Rimsha humari behn hai, bojh nahi."
There was a moment of silence, then Hameed sahib nodded. "Aapke alfaaz bohat qeemti hain."
Rimsha kept her eyes lowered, her hands clasped tightly.
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Scene Five: Loading the Dowry
Outside, hired workers carefully loaded the items into a covered truck. Haroon supervised, checking each item against the list.
"Handle the TV carefully," Haroon instructed. "And secure the fridge properly."
Maryam stood at the gate, watching silently. Each item leaving the house felt like a thread being gently pulled from her heart.
Rimsha stood a few steps behind her sister. "Apa… sab theek hai na?"
Maryam placed her hand over Rimsha's. "Sab theek hai. Yeh sab zindagi ka hissa hai."
Kulsoom begum approached Rimsha. "Beti, kal ka din tumhara hai. Aaj sirf sabr ka imtihan hai."
Rimsha nodded respectfully. "Ji, khala."
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Scene Six: Departure of Groom's Family
Once everything was loaded, Hameed sahib turned toward Haroon. "Hum chalte hain. Kal nikah ke waqt mulaqat hogi."
Haroon shook his hand. "InshaAllah. Allah asaani kare."
Kulsoom begum hugged Maryam lightly. "Aap ne bohat khayal rakha."
Maryam smiled, though her eyes glistened. "Yeh farz tha."
The cars drove away slowly. The street returned to silence.
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Scene Seven: After the Guests Leave
Inside the house, the emptiness felt louder than noise.
Rimsha finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly. "Ab sab kuch sach lag raha hai."
Maryam hugged her tightly. "Kal ke baad tumhare liye naya ghar, nayi zindagi."
Haroon stood quietly, watching the sisters. "Aaj ka din khamosh hota hai, lekin yeh bhi zaroori hota hai."
Rimsha wiped her eyes. "Shukriya… dono ka. Agar aap na hotay—"
Maryam cut her gently. "Bas. Tum sirf khush rehna."
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Scene Eight: Night Reflections
That night, the house lights were dim. No guests, no music. Just the ticking of the clock.
Rimsha sat on her bed, holding a small tasbeeh. Tomorrow was Nikah. Today was closure.
Maryam stood at the doorway. "So jao. Kal lamba din hai."
Rimsha nodded. "Apa… kal ke baad bhi aap meri ho, na?"
Maryam smiled softly. "Hamesha."
The door closed gently.
Outside, Haroon locked the gate, looked at the quiet house, and whispered to himself, "Kal ek aur zimmedari shuru hogi."
The night settled in, carrying with it prayers, hopes, and the silent strength of a family preparing to let go—with dignity.