Scene One
Late Afternoon – On the Way to the Beauty Parlor
The sun was slowly leaning toward the west when Rimsha stepped out of Imran's house, carefully holding the edge of her dupatta. Beside her stood Mrs. Kulsoom, composed and elegant as always, holding her handbag close.
Outside, Ahmed, their cousin, waited near the car.
"Chaliye, aunty," Ahmed said respectfully. "Beauty parlor ka time ho raha hai."
Kulsoom aunty nodded.
"Allah barkat de beta, bas araam se chalana."
Rimsha quietly got into the back seat, her heart fluttering—not with nervousness, but with a soft excitement. Today was Valima, the final celebration, the moment when everything would feel complete.
As the car moved through the familiar roads of Islamabad, Rimsha looked out of the window, watching the city rush past.
"Aunty," she said softly, "aaj sab theek lag raha hai… jaise sapna ho."
Kulsoom smiled warmly.
"Beta, yeh sapna nahi, tumhari nayi zindagi hai."
Rimsha smiled and nodded.
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Scene Two
At the Beauty Parlor
The beauty parlor buzzed with activity. Bridesmaids, stylists, makeup artists—all moved quickly yet gracefully. The familiar scent of hair spray and perfume filled the air.
A stylist greeted them warmly.
"Welcome, Mrs. Kulsoom. Bride ke liye hum bilkul ready hain."
Rimsha was guided to a comfortable chair. As the makeup artist began her work, Kulsoom aunty sat nearby, watching every detail with a careful, affectionate gaze.
"Royal blue bilkul sahi choice hai," the stylist said while adjusting the palette.
"Golden embroidery aur bhi zyada chamkay gi raat ki lighting mein."
Rimsha closed her eyes briefly as makeup brushes moved gently across her face.
Meanwhile, Ahmed stood up.
"Aunty, main ab Imran ko pick karne ja raha hoon."
Kulsoom nodded.
"Allah tumhein khush rakhe beta. Time ka khayal rakhna."
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Scene Three
Men's Saloon – Imran Getting Ready
At the saloon, Imran sat in front of the mirror while the stylist adjusted his hair.
"Kis occasion ke liye?" the stylist asked.
"Valima," Imran replied calmly.
The stylist smiled.
"Phir toh perfect lagna chahiye."
Imran wore a crisp suit, the royal blue tie matching the shade of Rimsha's dress—something he had chosen carefully.
As Ahmed arrived, he looked at Imran appreciatively.
"Bhai, aaj toh hero lag rahe ho."
Imran chuckled softly.
"Bas dua karo sab khair se ho jaye."
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Scene Four
Evening Pickup – The Final Touch
By 8 pm, Ahmed had completed his rounds. First, he picked up Imran from the saloon, then drove back to the beauty parlor.
Rimsha stepped out slowly, her royal blue bridal dress flowing elegantly, golden embroidery catching the light. Her jewelry shimmered subtly, complementing her look rather than overpowering it.
Ahmed paused for a second.
"MashAllah, bhabhi… bohat khoobsurat."
Rimsha smiled shyly.
Kulsoom aunty nodded with satisfaction.
"Allah buri nazar se bachaye."
They settled into the car, the city lights now glowing brighter as night approached.
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Scene Five
Arrival at the Banquet Hall – 9:00 PM
At exactly 9 pm, cars from Imran's side began arriving at the banquet hall. The building stood illuminated, lights reflecting elegance and celebration.
As Imran and Rimsha stepped inside together, soft murmurs of appreciation filled the air.
"Kitni pyari jodi hai," someone whispered.
They were guided toward the stage, where a professional photographer awaited.
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Scene Six
Valima Photoshoot
"Sir, madam, yahan dekhiye," the photographer said.
Imran stood tall beside Rimsha, his hand gently guiding her posture. Rimsha maintained a graceful smile, her eyes calm yet bright.
"Perfect," the photographer said. "Bas ek aur shot."
Flash after flash captured moments—some formal, some candid.
Imran leaned slightly closer.
"Thak gayi ho?" he asked quietly.
Rimsha shook her head.
"Nahi… sab acha lag raha hai."
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Scene Seven
Arrival of Bride's Side
Soon, guests from Rimsha's side began arriving—Maryam, Haroon, Ubaid, Irfan, relatives, friends, and familiar faces from Amana Superstore.
Maryam hugged her sister gently.
"MashAllah Rimsha, bohat pyari lag rahi ho."
Rimsha smiled with moist eyes.
"Aapi…"
Haroon shook Imran's hand firmly.
"Bohat mubarak ho."
Imran replied respectfully.
"Shukriya, bhai."
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Scene Eight
Dinner Time – 11:00 PM
By 11 pm, servers began moving through the hall, placing dishes on tables.
The aroma of food filled the air—chicken handi rich with spices, beef biryani fragrant and colorful, mutton qorma steaming hot.
Guests enjoyed their meals, laughter and conversations flowing freely.
At one table, Ubaid whispered to Irfan,
"Yeh biryani bohat tasty hai."
Irfan nodded seriously.
"Mujhe custard ka intezar hai."
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Scene Nine
Guests Departing
After dinner, guests began leaving one by one, offering prayers and congratulations.
"Allah hamesha khush rakhe," voices echoed repeatedly.
By midnight, the hall had grown quieter.
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Scene Ten
Family Dinner – 1:00 AM
At 1 am, close family members from both sides gathered around one long dining table in a private area of the banquet hall.
Plates were served again—chicken handi, beef biryani, mutton qorma, custard, and finally coffee.
Kulsoom aunty looked around with contentment.
"Alhamdulillah… sab kuch bohat acha raha."
Maryam nodded.
"Allah ka shukar hai."
Imran glanced at Rimsha, who sat beside him, calm and composed despite the long day.
"Thak gayi ho?" he asked softly.
"Thori si," she admitted. "Lekin khushi zyada hai."
Everyone smiled.
The wedding celebrations had reached their peaceful conclusion—not with noise or rush, but with warmth, gratitude, and shared contentment.
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End of Chapter