Scene One
A Quiet Morning – Six Months Later
Time has its own way of softening edges. Days passed gently, weeks folded into months, and before Rimsha could fully realize it, six months of her pregnancy had quietly settled into her life.
The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of her bedroom. Rimsha lay on her side, one hand resting protectively on her growing belly. She felt a soft flutter—a gentle reminder of the life growing inside her.
She smiled faintly.
Imran stood near the window, adjusting his watch before leaving for work. He turned around and looked at her.
"Abhi bhi letay rehna," he said softly.
"Office jaane ki koi zarurat nahi."
Rimsha slowly sat up, placing her feet on the edge of the bed.
"Imran, main bilkul theek hoon," she replied calmly.
"Sirf thora kaam hi to hai. Office ja kar bas dekh loon—"
Imran walked closer and sat beside her.
"Sun lo meri baat," he said gently but firmly.
"Amana Superstore main pichlay saat saal se sambhal raha hoon. Aur jab tum graduation ke classes mein hoti thi, tab bhi."
Rimsha smiled slightly at his tone.
"Ab meri zimmedari sirf tum ho… aur yeh," he said, lightly touching her belly.
"Kaam baad mein ho jata rahe ga."
She sighed, finally nodding.
"Achha," she said softly.
"Main ghar par hi reh loon gi."
Imran kissed her forehead.
"Bas yahi sunna tha."
---
Scene Two
The Living Room – Kulsoom Aunty's Gentle Watch
Later in the morning, Rimsha sat in the TV lounge, legs comfortably stretched, watching a morning show. Kulsoom aunty entered from the kitchen holding a bowl.
"Yeh lo," she said.
"Seb aur anaar ka fruit chaat."
Rimsha laughed lightly.
"Ammi, abhi to nashta kiya tha."
Kulsoom aunty placed the bowl on the table anyway.
"Nashta alag hota hai, aur yeh alag," she replied seriously.
"Doctor ne kaha hai vitamins natural honay chahiye."
Rimsha obediently picked up the spoon.
"Medicine li?" Kulsoom aunty asked immediately.
"Ji, subah wali li thi," Rimsha replied.
Kulsoom aunty nodded in satisfaction, then sat beside her.
"Koi chakkar, nausea, ya thakan?" she asked, her eyes full of concern.
"Bas thori si kamar mein dard hota hai," Rimsha said honestly.
"Lekin zyada nahi."
Kulsoom aunty sighed softly.
"Yeh sab normal hai," she said.
"Lekin agar kuch bhi zyada lage to foran batana."
Rimsha smiled warmly.
"Aap bohat khayal rakhti hain, Ammi."
Kulsoom aunty patted her hand.
"Tum meri beti jaisi ho," she said softly.
"Aur yeh ghar tumhara hi hai."
---
Scene Three
A Call from Maryam – Sisterly Concern
Around noon, Rimsha's phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen and smiled.
"Api."
She answered the call.
"Assalamualaikum, Rimsha," Maryam's familiar voice came through.
"Tabiyat kaisi hai?"
"Walikumassalam, Api," Rimsha replied.
"Main bilkul theek hoon."
"Sach?" Maryam asked teasingly.
"Ya sirf mujhe tasalli dene ke liye keh rahi ho?"
Rimsha laughed.
"Sach mein," she said.
"Bas Imran mujhe office nahi jaane deta."
Maryam chuckled on the other end.
"Achha hi hai," she said.
"Tumhara kaam ab sirf apna aur baby ka khayal rakhna hai."
"Ubaid aur Irfan ka haal kaisa hai?" Rimsha asked fondly.
"Dono theek hain," Maryam replied.
"Kal keh rahe thay ke choti aunty ka baby kab aaye ga."
Rimsha smiled softly, her eyes misting slightly.
"Inshallah jald," she said.
"Phir main unhein bohat spoil karoon gi."
Maryam's tone softened.
"Rimsha," she said gently.
"Khud ko zyada thakaana mat. Agar kuch bhi ho, raat ho ya din, mujhe call karna."
"Ji Api," Rimsha replied quietly.
"Aapka bohat shukriya."
---
Scene Four
Afternoon Calm – Small Moments of Care
The afternoon passed quietly. Rimsha rested on the couch, occasionally shifting her position. Kulsoom aunty moved around the house, but her eyes kept returning to Rimsha every few minutes.
"Pani pi lo," she reminded.
"Thora walk kar lo," she added later.
Rimsha smiled at the constant reminders.
"Ammi, main theek hoon," she said gently.
"Aap bhi thora aaram kar liya karein."
Kulsoom aunty shook her head.
"Tumhara aaram meri zimmedari hai," she replied firmly.
Later, Rimsha stood near the window, watching the street outside. Her hand rested on her belly again.
"Tum bhi bilkul apnay baba par gaye ho," she whispered softly.
"Zyada shor machanay ki aadat nahi."
She felt another gentle movement and smiled.
---
Scene Five
Evening Return – Imran Comes Home
As evening settled in, the sound of a car entering the porch caught Rimsha's attention.
"Imran aa gaya," she said softly.
Kulsoom aunty smiled.
"Main chai bana deti hoon."
Imran entered the house, loosening his tie. His eyes immediately searched for Rimsha.
"Tum kahan ho?" he called.
"Yahin hoon," Rimsha replied from the lounge.
He walked over and sat beside her.
"Kaisa din guzra?" he asked.
"Bohat sukoon se," she replied.
"Bas Ammi ka constant check-up chalta raha."
Imran laughed lightly.
"Yeh to hona hi tha."
Kulsoom aunty brought tea and placed it on the table.
"Office ka kaam zyada tha?" she asked.
"Ji Ammi," Imran replied.
"Lekin sab manage ho gaya."
He turned to Rimsha.
"Koi problem to nahi hui na?" he asked again, unable to hide his concern.
"Bilkul nahi," she said reassuringly.
"Tum itni tension mat liya karo."
Imran smiled faintly.
"Tumhari wajah se hi to li jati hai."
---
Scene Six
Night Reflections – A Growing Bond
Later that night, Rimsha lay in bed while Imran sat beside her, scrolling through his phone.
"Imran," Rimsha said softly.
"Haan?"
"Tum itna khayal kyun rakhte ho?" she asked quietly.
"Kabhi kabhi lagta hai main bohat zyada dependent ho gayi hoon."
Imran put his phone aside and looked at her seriously.
"Is liye ke tum meri zimmedari ho," he replied.
"Aur is liye bhi ke main tumse bohat mohabbat karta hoon."
Rimsha's eyes filled with emotion.
"Main khush hoon," she said softly.
"Bas kabhi kabhi darr lagta hai."
Imran gently held her hand.
"Jab tak main tumhare saath hoon," he said firmly,
"tumhein kisi cheez se darrne ki zarurat nahi."
Rimsha closed her eyes, comforted by his words.
Outside, the night was quiet. Inside the house, life was growing—slowly, gently, wrapped in care, patience, and love.
Six months had passed, and with every passing day, Rimsha felt more protected, more cherished, and more ready for the miracle waiting to arrive.
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End of Chapter