Scene One
Five Days Later – A Quiet Sunday Evening
Five days had passed since the Valima, days that felt both new and familiar for Rimsha. Married life had wrapped itself around her gently—new routines, new responsibilities, and a quiet sense of belonging. Yet, somewhere deep in her heart, there was a soft pull toward her first home, toward Maryam's house, where every corner carried memories of laughter, tears, and unconditional love.
That Sunday evening, Maryam had called.
"Rimsha, aaj dinner hamare saath," she said warmly on the phone.
"Haroon ghar par hai, bachay bhi bohat miss kar rahe hain tumhein."
Rimsha smiled instinctively and looked toward Imran, who was sitting nearby, reading something on his phone.
"Aapi ne dinner pe bulaya hai," Rimsha said.
"Chalein?"
Imran smiled back.
"Bilkul. Pehli dafa jaa rahe hain, tayyari achi honi chahiye."
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Scene Two
Getting Ready – New Beginnings, Old Bonds
As evening approached, Rimsha stood in front of the mirror, choosing her dress carefully. She finally selected a brown and peach-colored outfit, modest yet elegant, something that felt like home. She paired it with a warm shawl, as the winter chill had begun to settle into Islamabad's evenings.
Imran wore a brown kurta and shalwar, with a warm waistcoat layered on top. The couple looked simple, coordinated, and comfortable—no formality, just family.
"Lagta hai jaise hum kahin door nahi ja rahe," Imran said lightly while adjusting his sleeves.
"Apne hi ghar ja rahe hon."
Rimsha nodded, her eyes soft.
"Wohi toh baat hai."
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Scene Three
Arrival – 7:00 PM
At exactly 7 pm, their car stopped outside Maryam's house.
Before Imran could even turn off the engine, the main door opened.
"AUNTIEEE!" Ubaid's voice echoed through the evening.
Both Ubaid and Irfan came running out, jackets half-zipped, excitement written all over their faces.
"Rimsha khala!" Irfan shouted, grabbing her hand the moment she stepped out.
Rimsha bent down and hugged both boys tightly.
"Mere jaanay ke baad tum log aur bhi shararti ho gaye ho?"
Ubaid grinned.
"Hum roz poochte hain mama se ke Rimsha khala kab aa rahi hain."
Imran smiled at the scene, and Haroon appeared at the door, his calm presence grounding the moment.
"Khush aamdeed," Haroon said, shaking Imran's hand firmly.
"Ghar hi samjho."
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Scene Four
TV Lounge – Family Reunited
Everyone gathered in the TV lounge. Cushions were adjusted, tea glasses placed on the center table, and the room slowly filled with voices.
Haroon sat comfortably, asking Imran about work and routine.
"Sab theek chal raha hai?" Haroon asked.
"Shaadi ke baad ka adjustment?"
Imran replied respectfully,
"Alhamdulillah, sab acha hai. Rimsha ne bohat sambhal ke rakha hai sab kuch."
Rimsha smiled shyly, while Maryam, passing through the lounge toward the kitchen, caught that smile and paused.
"Kisi ki nazar na lag jaye," Maryam said teasingly.
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Scene Five
Kitchen Door – Sisters' Moment
Rimsha stood up quietly.
"Aapi, main zara dekh aoon kitchen mein," she said casually.
As Rimsha reached the kitchen doorway, Maryam suddenly blocked her path, placing her hands on her waist in mock seriousness.
"Guests are not allowed in the kitchen."
Rimsha froze for a second, then raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
She pointed to herself.
"Main guest nahi hoon. Main is ghar ki member hoon."
For a second, both sisters stared at each other—and then burst out laughing.
"Acha acha," Maryam said, moving aside.
"Aao phir, member sahibah."
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Scene Six
Inside the Kitchen – Familiar Comfort
The kitchen smelled heavenly. On the stove, chicken biryani simmered gently. A pan of fried fish rested on the side, and a pot of kheer was slowly cooling.
Rimsha looked around fondly.
"Same kitchen… same smell… bas main thori si badal gayi hoon."
Maryam smiled softly.
"Badli nahi ho, bas aage barhi ho."
Rimsha tried to pick up a spoon.
"Aapi, main madad karti hoon—"
Maryam immediately stopped her.
"Nahi. Bilkul nahi."
Rimsha protested,
"Par—"
Maryam cut her off gently but firmly.
"Tumhein TV lounge mein baithna hai. Haroon aur Imran ke saath.
Yahan kaam karna meri zimmedari hai. Agar madad chahiye hogi, main bula loon gi."
Rimsha sighed, then smiled.
"Achaa… main yahan sirf chitchat ke liye rukti hoon."
Maryam laughed.
"Bas itni ijazat hai."
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Scene Seven
Dinner Call – Together Again
After about an hour, Maryam wiped her hands and looked toward Rimsha.
"Jaao, sab ko bata do dinner ready hai."
Rimsha walked into the TV lounge, clapped her hands lightly, and announced cheerfully,
"Attention please! Dinner is served. Sab log dining table ki taraf tashreef laayein."
Ubaid jumped up first.
"YES!"
Irfan followed closely,
"Mujhe fish chahiye!"
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Scene Eight
Dining Table – Laughter and Love
The dining table felt alive again. Plates were filled generously—biryani, fish, kheer later promised.
Haroon tasted the food and nodded appreciatively.
"Maryam, tumhara haath pehle se bhi zyada acha ho gaya hai."
Maryam raised an eyebrow.
"Shaadi ke baad tareef zyada ho gayi hai aapki."
Everyone laughed.
Imran looked around the table, then quietly said,
"Sach mein… yeh ghar bohat sakoon deta hai."
Rimsha glanced at him, understanding exactly what he meant.
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Scene Nine
Green Tea – The Final Round
After dinner, green tea was served in the TV lounge. The boys sat close to Rimsha, leaning against her, as if trying to make up for lost days.
"Ab aap roz aaya karein," Irfan said sleepily.
Rimsha kissed his forehead.
"InshaAllah."
Maryam looked at the clock.
"11:30 ho gaye hain."
Imran stood up.
"Phir hum ijazat lein."
Haroon nodded.
"Raat ho gayi hai. Araam se jaana."
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Scene Ten
Goodbye – 11:30 PM
At the door, Maryam hugged Rimsha tightly.
"Dil halka ho gaya tumhein dekh kar," she whispered.
Rimsha replied softly,
"Mera bhi."
The car drove away slowly, leaving behind the familiar house—but carrying its warmth with them.
For Rimsha, this first visit was not just a dinner invitation.
It was a reminder that no matter how life changes, some doors always remain open, waiting with love.
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End of Chapter