Scene One: A Crowded Morning
The Nikah day began before the sun had fully risen over the quiet streets. At Maryam's house, the morning felt nothing like an ordinary day. Doors opened and closed constantly, footsteps echoed in the corridors, and soft but hurried voices filled every corner.
In the kitchen, large pots were already on the stove. Aunts moved briskly, giving instructions, while cousins rushed back and forth carrying trays of cups and plates.
"Chai ready hai?" one aunt asked.
"Haan, bas cups kam par rahe hain," another replied.
"Koi zara bakery se bread le aaye!"
Maryam stepped out of her room, tying her dupatta properly around her shoulders. She looked around the crowded house, her eyes adjusting to the energy.
"Sab log please breakfast time pe aa jana," she said calmly but firmly. "Aaj ka din lamba hai."
Despite the hurry everywhere, one room remained untouched by chaos.
---
Scene Two: A Different World Inside Rimsha's Room
Rimsha's room was silent, peaceful, almost unaware of the importance of the day. Curtains were drawn halfway, letting in soft morning light. Rimsha lay asleep, wrapped comfortably in her blanket, her breathing slow and deep.
At exactly 10 a.m., Maryam opened the door quietly and stepped inside. She stood there for a moment, watching her younger sister sleep so peacefully.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"Rimsha," Maryam said gently, sitting on the edge of the bed.
No response.
Maryam touched her shoulder lightly. "Rimsha… uth jao. Aaj Nikah hai."
Rimsha stirred, turned to the other side, and mumbled, "Bas thori der aur…"
Maryam laughed softly. "Pooray ghar ko lag raha hai time bhaag raha hai, aur tumhein neend aa rahi hai."
Rimsha slowly opened her eyes, realization hitting her all at once. "Nikah…?" She sat up suddenly. "Allah… 10 baj gaye?"
Maryam nodded. "Ji madam. Main neeche breakfast table pe wait kar rahi hoon. Jaldi aana."
---
Scene Three: Sisters at the Breakfast Table
Thirty minutes later, Rimsha walked into the dining area, her hair loosely tied, eyes still heavy with sleep. Maryam was already seated, holding a cup of tea.
"Good morning, bride," Maryam teased.
Rimsha smiled shyly and sat across from her. "Good morning… aaj sab itna fast kyun chal raha hai?"
Maryam pushed a plate toward her. "Kyunke shaadiyon mein waqt kisi ka intezar nahi karta."
They ate quietly for a few moments. Rimsha finally looked up. "Api… aaj sab kuch real lag raha hai."
Maryam met her gaze. "Haan. Aur bohat khoobsurat bhi."
---
Scene Four: Journey to the Beauty Parlor
By 1 p.m., both sisters were ready to leave. A car waited outside.
"Sab ka khayal rakhna," Maryam instructed an aunt. "Hum shaam se pehle wapas nahi aayenge."
The beauty parlor buzzed with activity. Hairdryers hummed, makeup artists moved confidently, and soft music played in the background.
"Bride ko pehle ready karenge," the makeup artist said.
The process took nearly five hours. Rimsha sat patiently, watching her reflection slowly transform. When the final touch was done, she stood up, dressed in her traditional red bridal outfit, heavy yet graceful.
Maryam, dressed in a maroon and golden saree with elegant jewelry, stood beside her.
Both sisters looked stunning—each in her own way.
---
Scene Five: Arrival at the Banquet Hall
Maryam called Haroon. "Hum ready hain."
"Bas 15 minutes," Haroon replied.
True to his word, Haroon arrived shortly, opening the car door with a smile. "Mashallah."
At the banquet hall, guests from the bride's side arrived first. The hall shimmered with lights and flowers. Rimsha was guided toward the stage for the bridal photoshoot.
For an hour, cameras clicked continuously.
"Thoda sa left dekhein."
"Smile, please."
"Perfect."
---
Scene Six: The Arrival of Barat
At 9:30 p.m., the sound of fireworks echoed outside. The groom's family had arrived.
Imran stepped out of the car, dressed elegantly, surrounded by close relatives. His parents walked beside him, pride visible in their eyes.
As they entered the hall, guests stood to welcome them. Tulip petals showered gently as they walked toward the stage.
Imran and his parents took their seats on the stage sofa.
---
Scene Seven: The Nikah Ceremony
Fifteen minutes later, the Nikah Khawan arrived. Silence slowly settled over the hall.
The Nikah began.
"Imran bin Hameed," the Nikah Khawan said clearly, "kya aap Rimsha bint— ko apni nikah mein qabool karte hain?"
Imran replied firmly, "Qabool hai."
"Qabool hai?"
"Qabool hai."
"Qabool hai?"
"Qabool hai."
On the other side, Rimsha's consent was taken.
"Kya aap Imran ko apne nikah mein qabool karti hain?"
Her voice was soft but clear. "Qabool hai… Qabool hai… Qabool hai."
Duas filled the air.
---
Scene Eight: Dinner and Departures
Dinner was served—five to six carefully selected dishes, followed by coffee. Guests mingled, congratulated, and smiled.
Maryam greeted guests from her side: staff of Amana Superstore, Haroon's office colleagues, and the teachers of Ubaid and Irfan.
Gradually, guests began leaving. The hall emptied slowly until only Imran's relatives remained.
---
Scene Nine: Rukhsati
Two hours later, the Rukhsati ceremony began.
Rimsha and Imran stood together and walked slowly toward the exit. Guests offered blessings.
Maryam stepped forward and hugged her sister tightly. "Allah tumhein hamesha khush rakhe."
Tears rolled silently down Rimsha's cheeks.
She sat in the backseat beside Imran. His parents joined them in the car.
As the car moved forward, Maryam stood watching until it disappeared from sight.
The house behind her would feel emptier now—but her heart was full of prayers.