Scene One
Soft Morning Light
The curtains moved gently as the morning breeze entered the room. Sunlight filtered through the thin gaps, resting softly on the white walls and the bed that still carried traces of rose petals from the night before.
Rimsha opened her eyes slowly.
For a moment, she did not move. She lay still, listening to the quiet rhythm of the house. The celebrations were over. The laughter had faded. What remained was a calm, unfamiliar silence.
She turned her head slightly.
Imran was still asleep, his face relaxed, one arm resting near the pillow. Seeing him like this—peaceful, unaware—made her smile faintly.
She glanced at the clock on the side table.
9:20 am.
Rimsha sat up gently, careful not to disturb him. She adjusted the dupatta around herself and looked at the luggage placed near the cupboard. Her clothes. Her new life.
She whispered to herself,
"Subah ho gayi… aur sab kuch badal gaya."
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Scene Two
The Washroom Door
Rimsha quietly picked up a neatly folded formal dress from her bag—a light pastel outfit, simple yet elegant. She moved toward the washroom, closing the door softly behind her.
The sound of running water filled the room.
Steam slowly gathered on the mirror as she stood under the shower, letting warm water wash away the tiredness of the long day and night.
Her thoughts wandered.
Maryam.
Haroon bhai.
Her old room.
Her childhood.
And then—Imran.
Her husband.
The word still felt new, heavy, and comforting at the same time.
After some time, she wrapped a towel around herself and turned off the water.
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Scene Three
A Quiet Gaze
About fifteen minutes later, Imran stirred.
He opened his eyes slowly, blinking against the daylight. For a second, he forgot where he was. Then the memories returned—Nikah, rukhsati, the journey home, the room.
He sat up.
Just then, the washroom door opened.
Rimsha stepped out, wrapped in a towel, her hair wet and falling loosely over her shoulders. Water droplets clung to her skin, catching the light.
Imran froze.
He did not say anything. He simply looked.
Not with desire alone—but with wonder.
This was his wife.
Rimsha noticed his gaze and paused.
"Imran?" she said softly.
He cleared his throat, standing up. "Tum… ready ho rahi ho?"
She nodded, slightly embarrassed but calm.
"Haan. Sab bahar intezar kar rahe honge."
Imran glanced at the clock.
"Haroon bhai ne kal raat kaha tha… woh aur Maryam aapi subah nashta le kar aayenge. 11 baje."
Rimsha's eyes widened.
"11 bajay? Aur abhi 10 ho gaye hain."
She quickly moved toward the cupboard. "Mujhe jaldi tayar hona hoga."
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Scene Four
Gentle Boundaries
Rimsha slipped into her dress, standing near the mirror, adjusting the sleeves while talking.
Imran stepped closer, his voice soft.
"Rimsha…"
She sensed his nearness and smiled slightly without turning.
"Imran, abhi nahi. Sab neeche honge."
He laughed quietly. "Main sirf baat—"
Before he could finish, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek gently.
It was brief. Respectful.
Rimsha turned toward him, pretending to scold.
"Aap bhi na."
Imran smiled and raised his hands in surrender.
"Main nahane ja raha hoon."
He picked up his clothes and walked toward the washroom.
Rimsha watched him go, her heart feeling light.
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Scene Five
Stepping Out Together
Soon after, both were ready.
Rimsha adjusted her dupatta one last time, her hands slightly trembling. Imran noticed.
He extended his hand.
"Chalo."
She placed her hand in his.
They opened the bedroom door and stepped into the hallway. The house felt alive now—voices, footsteps, light laughter.
As they walked toward the TV lounge, Imran gently guided her, whispering,
"Ghabrana nahi. Sab apne hain."
Rimsha nodded.
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Scene Six
The Lounge Full of Smiles
The TV lounge was already crowded. Aunties, cousins, elders—all seated, talking quietly.
As Rimsha entered, the room went momentarily silent.
Then smiles appeared.
"Ma Sha Allah."
"Allah barkat de."
"Nayi dulhan aa gayi."
Kulsoom aunty stood up and hugged Rimsha warmly.
"Beta, theek ho?"
Rimsha smiled. "Ji aunty."
She sat beside Imran, her posture modest, eyes lowered respectfully.
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Scene Seven
Arrival at the Gate
At 10:45 am, two cars stopped outside.
Mr. Hameed walked toward the gate and opened it.
Maryam and Haroon stepped out, hands full of breakfast trays and boxes.
Maryam smiled broadly.
"Assalamualaikum!"
"Wa Alaikum Assalam!" voices replied together.
Cousins rushed forward to help, taking trays from their hands.
Inside the lounge, a dastarkhwan was laid neatly on the floor.
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Scene Eight
Sisters Meet Again
Maryam entered and her eyes searched immediately.
"Rimsha."
Rimsha stood up.
The sisters hugged tightly, emotion flowing silently between them.
Maryam whispered,
"Allah tumhein khush rakhe."
Rimsha's voice shook slightly.
"Ameen."
Maryam then greeted Kulsoom aunty warmly.
Haroon shook hands with Hameed sahib.
"Mubarak ho."
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Scene Nine
Breakfast Together
The food was laid out carefully.
Omelets.
Parathas.
Chicken parathas.
Halwa puri.
Bread.
A large thermos of tea.
Sweets.
Everyone sat together.
Maryam placed food on Rimsha's plate herself.
"Subah se kuch khaya bhi hai ya nahi?"
Rimsha smiled. "Abhi kha rahi hoon."
Laughter followed.
Haroon said lightly,
"Imran, nashta toh theek se karwa rahe ho na?"
Imran smiled. "Bilkul."
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Scene Ten
Quiet Goodbyes
By 12:30 pm, Maryam and Haroon stood up to leave.
Maryam hugged Rimsha again.
"Main kal phone karoon gi."
Rimsha nodded. "Zaroor."
Haroon placed a hand on Imran's shoulder.
"Khush raho."
As the cars drove away, Rimsha stood at the door beside Imran, watching.
She took a deep breath.
A new home.
A new name.
A new morning.
Imran looked at her and said softly,
"Ab tum yahin ho."
She smiled.
"Yes," she replied quietly,
"Ab main yahin hoon."
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End of Chapter