Scene One
Hospital Waiting Area – A Mother-in-Law's Restless Heart
The hospital corridor carried a calm that comes only after a storm of emotions. The earlier rush had faded, leaving behind the soft echo of footsteps, the distant murmur of nurses, and the gentle hum of machines. Mrs. Kulsoom sat outside Rimsha's room, her back straight, her hands folded tightly in her lap, as if holding her excitement in place.
Every few moments, her eyes moved toward the closed door.
"Allah ka shukar hai," she whispered repeatedly, as though the words themselves were anchoring her heart.
Imran stood a few steps away, speaking quietly to a nurse about medicines and follow-up visits. His face showed relief mixed with disbelief, as if the news had still not fully settled into his soul.
Kulsoom aunty watched her son and smiled faintly.
"Mera beta… aur ab baap banne wala hai," she murmured, her eyes filling again.
She reached for her phone.
"Maryam ko batana zaroori hai," she said to herself.
"Yeh khushi akeli nahi rakhi ja sakti."
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Scene Two
A Call Full of Tears – Maryam's Home
Maryam was arranging the tea tray in the kitchen when her phone rang. Seeing Kulsoom aunty's name, she answered immediately.
"Assalamualaikum, Aunty."
"Walikum Assalam, Maryam beta," Kulsoom aunty replied. Her voice trembled, heavy with emotion.
"Ek bohat achi khabar hai."
Maryam's hand stilled.
"Rimsha theek hai na, Aunty?"
There was a gentle pause, then a soft laugh on the other end.
"Bilkul theek hai," Kulsoom aunty said.
"Rimsha maa banne wali hai."
Maryam closed her eyes, tears instantly spilling.
"Ya Allah… Alhamdulillah! Aunty, yeh to bohat badi khushi hai."
"Isi liye phone kiya," Kulsoom aunty replied.
"Tum foran hospital aa jao."
Maryam turned toward the lounge just as Ubaid and Irfan entered, still in their school uniforms, bags slung over their shoulders.
"Ubaid, Irfan," she called softly but excitedly.
"Uniform change karo. Hospital jana hai."
Both boys froze.
"Hospital?" Irfan asked.
"Kya hua, Ammi?"
Maryam smiled, her eyes still shining.
"Kuch bura nahi hua. Tumhari khala Rimsha ko milne ja rahe hain."
Ubaid tilted his head.
"Khala theek hain?"
"Bilkul," Maryam replied warmly.
"Bas Allah ne unhein bohat bari khushi di hai."
The boys nodded, sensing the happiness in her voice.
Maryam then called Haroon.
"Haroon, aap hospital aa jaayein. Rimsha—"
She paused, smiling through tears.
"Rimsha pregnant hai."
Haroon exhaled deeply.
"Alhamdulillah. Main abhi office se nikalta hoon."
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Scene Three
Hospital Room – Family Reunited
By the time Maryam arrived at the hospital with Ubaid and Irfan, Haroon was already there. Mrs. Kulsoom stood up the moment she saw them.
"Maryam beta," she said, opening her arms.
Maryam hugged her tightly.
"Aunty, mubarak ho. Allah aap ko bohat lambi khushiyan de."
"Ameen," Kulsoom aunty whispered.
Inside the room, Rimsha sat propped up against pillows, her face pale but glowing with a quiet light. She smiled the moment she saw Maryam.
"Api…" she said softly.
Maryam walked up and held her hand.
"Kaisi ho meri pyari Rimsha?"
Rimsha smiled shyly.
"Thori si kamzori hai… lekin dil bohat khush hai."
Ubaid and Irfan stood near the bed, respectful and a little shy.
"Khala," Ubaid said politely.
"Mubarak ho."
Irfan nodded enthusiastically.
"Allah aap ko sehat de."
Rimsha's eyes softened.
"Allah tum dono ko hamesha khush rakhe."
Haroon greeted Imran warmly.
"Bhai, bohat mubarak ho."
"Shukriya," Imran replied sincerely.
"Duaon ki zaroorat hai."
Kulsoom aunty looked at Rimsha with affection and seriousness.
"Beta, ab tumhein apna zyada khayal rakhna hoga."
"InshaAllah, Ammi," Rimsha replied.
"Main puri koshish karungi."
The room filled with gentle conversation, quiet smiles, and whispered duas—an atmosphere where happiness felt sacred.
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Scene Four
An Invitation from the Heart
As evening approached, the doctor allowed Rimsha to go home with instructions for rest. Imran carefully supported her as she stood.
Before everyone left, Kulsoom aunty spoke up.
"Aaj raat ka khana mere ghar," she announced.
"Sab ko aana hai."
Maryam smiled immediately.
"Zaroor, Aunty."
Rimsha looked at her mother-in-law with concern.
"Ammi, aap thak jayengi."
Kulsoom aunty shook her head gently.
"Yeh thakan nahi, yeh shukar hai."
Imran smiled, knowing better than to argue.
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Scene Five
Evening Dinner – Gratitude Under One Roof
That night, Kulsoom aunty's house felt warmer than usual. The dining table was set simply, yet lovingly. The aroma of home-cooked food filled every corner.
Rimsha sat comfortably, Maryam beside her.
"Ab sab kuch badal gaya hai," Maryam said softly.
Rimsha nodded.
"Zimmedari barh gayi hai… lekin khushi bhi."
Maryam smiled.
"Yahi zindagi ka husn hai."
Before dinner, Kulsoom aunty raised her hands.
"Allah ka shukar," she said with emotion.
"Us ne hamare ghar ko ek aur rehmat se nawaz diya."
"Ameen," everyone replied together.
Imran looked around the table—his mother, his wife, Maryam, Haroon, and the children—and felt a deep calm settle in his heart.
This was more than a dinner.
It was the quiet beginning of a new journey, where love grew wider, bonds grew deeper, and a new life waited to be welcomed with prayers and hope.
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End of Chapter