Scene One
Morning Calm in the Courtyard
The morning had settled gently over Imran's house. The rush of the wedding night and the excitement of the first breakfast had passed, leaving behind a calm, homely silence. Sunlight filtered into the courtyard, touching the plants and reflecting softly off the marble floor.
Rimsha sat beside her mother-in-law, Kulsoom aunty, on a cushioned sofa near the window. Rimsha was dressed simply, her dupatta resting neatly on her shoulders, her posture modest and attentive. Though she was still adjusting to the new rhythms of this house, there was a natural warmth in her presence.
Kulsoom aunty held a cup of tea in her hands and looked at Rimsha with a fond smile.
"Tumhein pata hai," she began, her eyes twinkling, "Imran bachpan se hi bohat shararti tha."
Rimsha smiled politely, lowering her gaze.
"Sach, aunty?"
Kulsoom chuckled. "Bilkul sach. Ek dafa, jab woh sirf paanch saal ka tha, us ne poore ghar ki bijli band kar di thi."
Rimsha's smile widened. "Phir?"
"Phir kya," Kulsoom laughed softly, "poora ghar andheray mein. Aur janab sofa ke neeche chup kar baithe thay."
Rimsha tried to suppress her laughter but failed.
"Imran aisa bhi tha?"
Kulsoom nodded. "Aur kya. School se roz koi na koi shikayat aati thi. Kabhi teacher ki chalk chhupa di, kabhi bag kisi aur ke saath badal diya."
Rimsha listened attentively, her expressions shifting between amusement and surprise.
"Lekin ab toh woh bohat serious lagtay hain," she said softly.
Kulsoom aunty smiled knowingly.
"Shaadi insan ko bohat badal deti hai."
Rimsha felt her cheeks warm slightly at that. She lowered her eyes again, her fingers gently folding the edge of her dupatta.
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Scene Two
A Quiet Excuse
Time passed unnoticed as stories flowed—childhood memories, school incidents, family moments. Rimsha felt herself growing more comfortable with Kulsoom aunty, sensing affection rather than formality.
After about an hour, Rimsha glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Aunty," she said gently, "agar ijazat ho, main thori dair ke liye room mein chali jaoon?"
Kulsoom nodded warmly.
"Haan beta, jao. Aaram bhi kar lo."
Rimsha stood, lightly touching Kulsoom aunty's hand in respect before moving away.
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Scene Three
Unpacking a New Life
Back in her room, Rimsha closed the door softly behind her. The room still smelled faintly of flowers from the previous night. Sunlight streamed in through the curtains, illuminating the neatly arranged furniture.
She opened the cupboard and wardrobe, carefully taking out her clothes. Each outfit felt symbolic—gifts, memories, pieces of her past and present blending together.
As she hung dresses, folded shawls, and arranged accessories, her thoughts drifted.
Yeh sab ab meri zindagi ka hissa hai, she thought.
She paused for a moment, sitting on the edge of the bed to catch her breath.
Just then, the door opened quietly.
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Scene Four
A Silent Presence
Imran entered the room, loosening his collar slightly. He looked tired, the long days of celebrations finally catching up with him.
Without saying much, he lay down on the bed, resting his head against the pillow.
Rimsha noticed him from the corner of her eye. She turned slightly and found him watching her.
"Kya dekh rahe hain?" she asked softly.
Imran smiled lazily.
"Apni biwi."
Rimsha shook her head lightly, hiding a smile as she turned back to her work.
After a few minutes, she noticed that his breathing had slowed. He had fallen asleep.
She walked closer, observing his relaxed face. Gently, she picked up the blanket and covered him, careful not to wake him.
She whispered, almost to herself,
"Thak gaye ho."
Then she returned to her cupboard, finishing the last of her arrangements.
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Scene Five
Shared Rest
About an hour later, Rimsha finally closed the cupboard doors. Her arms felt heavy, her feet sore.
She sat on the bed cautiously, glancing at Imran to ensure he was still asleep. Slowly, she lay down beside him, keeping a respectful distance, pulling the blanket over herself.
Within moments, exhaustion took over.
Sleep came easily.
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Scene Six
The Gentle Knock
A soft knock echoed on the door.
Rimsha stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a second, she was confused about where she was.
Another knock.
"Rimsha beta?" came Kulsoom aunty's voice.
Rimsha quickly sat up and moved toward the door, opening it slightly. Her eyes were still heavy with sleep.
Kulsoom aunty smiled kindly.
"Uth gayi ho? Taiyaar hona hai. Valima ka waqt qareeb aa raha hai."
Rimsha blinked.
"Ji… abhi?"
Kulsoom glanced at her watch.
"Char baj gaye hain. Beauty parlor jana hai. Aadha ghanta hai bas."
Rimsha nodded, rubbing her eyes lightly.
"Ji aunty, main bas tayar hoti hoon."
Kulsoom aunty patted her arm gently.
"Jaldi karo beta."
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Scene Seven
Waking Imran
Rimsha closed the door and turned back toward the bed. Imran was still asleep.
She walked over and shook his shoulder lightly.
"Imran… uthiye."
He groaned softly, turning his face toward the pillow.
She smiled faintly and tried again.
"Imran, uth jaayen. Valima ka waqt ho raha hai."
He opened one eye.
"Abhi?"
"Haan," she said firmly but gently. "Main aunty ke saath beauty parlor ja rahi hoon. Aap bhi tayar ho jaiye."
He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.
"Kitna time hai?"
"4:15 ho gaye hain," Rimsha replied. "Hum late ho rahe hain."
Imran sighed and stood up.
"Achha, achha. Main tayar hota hoon."
Rimsha picked up her dupatta and bag, her movements now quick and focused.
She paused near the door and looked back at him.
"Main chalti hoon."
Imran nodded, a small smile forming.
"Jaldi miltay hain."
Rimsha stepped out of the room, her heart fluttering—not with nervousness, but with the quiet excitement of another milestone waiting just hours away.
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End of Chapter