Scene One: Evening Arrival and Quiet Excitement
The following night settled gently over Imran's house, carrying a different kind of energy—soft excitement mixed with responsibility. The house, which had always felt familiar and ordinary, now buzzed with preparation. Lights were brighter than usual, doors remained open, and voices echoed from room to room.
Imran stood near the staircase, sleeves rolled up, watching his cousins arrive one by one. Most of them were male cousins, close in age, carrying boxes, rolled carpets, curtain rods, and small decorative items.
"Bhai, aaj toh tumhara kamra bilkul badal denge," one cousin, Salman, said with a grin.
Imran smiled faintly. "Bas zyada hungama mat karna. Ammi already stressed hain."
From the lounge, Kulsoom begum's voice echoed, "Imran, zara dekho electrician aa gaya ya nahi!"
"Ji ammi, dekhta hoon," Imran replied, turning toward the main door.
The electrician arrived with a small toolkit, followed by two men carrying the new bedroom set parts. The sound of furniture being unloaded filled the driveway.
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Scene Two: Clearing the Old Room
Imran's room was the first priority. The cousins entered it together, looking around with interest.
"Yeh kamra toh bilkul bachelor-style hai," Adeel commented, pointing at the simple bed and plain walls.
Imran sighed lightly. "Is liye toh change ho raha hai."
They began moving the old bed to one side. The mattress was lifted, the side tables removed, and the old curtains were taken down.
"Yeh sab storeroom mein rakh dena," Imran instructed. "Ammi ne kaha hai kuch cheezen baad mein donate karni hain."
As they worked, laughter filled the room.
"Yaad hai jab hum yahin raat bhar cricket match dekhte thay?" Salman said.
Imran paused for a moment, memories flashing across his face. "Haan… lekin ab zindagi ka phase change ho raha hai."
The room slowly emptied, leaving bare walls and an open floor—ready for something new.
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Scene Three: Placing the New Bedroom Set
The delivery men brought in the new bed frame first—polished wood, simple yet elegant. The cousins helped position it in the center of the room.
"Thoda sa left," Adeel said.
"Nahi, zyada ho gaya," Salman replied.
Imran intervened, smiling. "Bas yahin theek hai."
Next came the dressing table. It was placed near the window so natural light could fall on the mirror during the day.
Kulsoom begum appeared at the doorway, observing quietly. "Dressing table idhar achi lagegi. Natural light zaroori hoti hai."
Imran nodded respectfully. "Ji ammi."
The wardrobe followed—large, neatly designed, with sliding doors. It took effort to place it properly.
"Yeh bilkul kone mein set karo," Imran said. "Taake room open lage."
After a few adjustments, it stood perfectly in place.
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Scene Four: Installing the Divider and LED Wall
One of the cousins brought in the wooden divider.
"Iska kya plan hai?" Salman asked.
Imran explained, "Yeh bed aur sitting space ke beech rahega. Simple sa separation."
They carefully placed it, making sure it didn't block light or movement.
Meanwhile, the electrician started working on the LED wall. Soft warm lights were fixed behind a panel on the main wall.
As the lights turned on, the room's atmosphere changed instantly.
"Wow," Adeel said, impressed. "Bhai, yeh toh hotel room lag raha hai."
Imran smiled, a little shy. "Bas simple aur decent hona chahiye."
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Scene Five: Curtains and Final Touches
New curtains were unpacked—neutral shades with a subtle design.
Salman climbed onto a stool to hang the curtain rod. "Imran, height theek hai?"
"Thoda sa aur upar," Imran replied.
Once the curtains were hung and drawn, the room felt complete—private, calm, and welcoming.
A small rug was placed beside the bed. Side lamps were connected. Even the bedsheets were laid carefully.
Kulsoom begum entered again, this time with a satisfied smile. "Mashallah. Bohat pyara kamra lag raha hai."
She turned to Imran. "Tumhein pasand aaya?"
Imran nodded sincerely. "Ji ammi. Bohat."
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Scene Six: Light Conversations and Teasing
The cousins gathered in the room, looking around proudly at their work.
"Toh bhabhi ka welcome yahin hoga," Adeel teased.
Imran cleared his throat. "Bas karo, yaar."
Salman laughed. "Sharam aa rahi hai?"
Imran smiled but didn't respond.
One cousin added softly, "Imran, zimmedari badalti hai, lekin khushi bhi saath aati hai."
Imran looked around the room once more. "Haan. Mujhe pata hai."
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Scene Seven: Late Night Calm
By the time everything was done, it was past midnight. The cousins stretched their arms, tired but satisfied.
"Chalo, kaam ho gaya," Salman said. "Kal phir function hai."
They began leaving the room one by one.
Kulsoom begum paused at the doorway. "Imran, Allah tumhein khush rakhe."
Imran replied softly, "Ameen."
When the room finally fell silent, Imran stood alone for a moment. He touched the edge of the new bed, looked at the dressing table, the lights, the curtains.
This room was no longer just his. It was the beginning of a shared life.
He switched off the lights, leaving only the soft glow of the LED wall, and quietly closed the door.
The house slept, holding within it the quiet promise of tomorrow.