Scene One
Three Hours Later – The Labor Room
The labor room had finally settled into a deep, hushed calm. The bright lights were dimmed, machines hummed softly, and the urgency that once filled the space had melted into stillness.
Rimsha lay on the bed, her face pale but peaceful. Her breathing was slow and even, the kind of sleep that comes only after exhaustion has completely taken over the body. Her dupatta rested loosely near her shoulder, and her hair was slightly damp, clinging softly to her forehead.
In her arms, wrapped snugly in a soft white blanket, her newborn daughter slept just as deeply. The tiny chest rose and fell gently, fingers curled into delicate fists, lips slightly parted as if dreaming.
Two nurses entered quietly.
One of them paused at the sight.
"She's completely out," the first nurse whispered, a small smile forming on her face.
"And look at the baby," the other replied softly.
"Sleeping like an angel."
For a brief moment, both nurses stood there silently, witnessing a scene that felt almost sacred—mother and daughter resting together after the most intense hours of their lives.
Then professionalism returned gently.
"We have to shift her to the private room," the first nurse said in a hushed tone.
"Let's be careful."
---
Scene Two
Gentle Hands – Preparing the Shift
The nurses moved with practiced calm.
One of them carefully slipped her hands beneath the baby, supporting the tiny head and body with extreme care. The newborn stirred slightly but did not wake, letting out the softest sound before settling again.
"She's so light," the nurse whispered instinctively.
They placed the baby gently into the cot beside the bed, adjusting the blanket around her.
Rimsha remained asleep, unaware of the movement around her.
"Let her rest," the second nurse said softly.
"She's been through a lot."
They began changing Rimsha's clothes—removing the hospital maternity gown and dressing her in clean, comfortable clothes prepared earlier. Every movement was slow, deliberate, and gentle.
Rimsha didn't stir.
"She's in deep sleep," the nurse observed.
"That's a good sign."
Once dressed, they adjusted her pillows, ensured her IV was properly placed, and checked her vitals.
"All stable," the first nurse confirmed quietly.
They rolled the cot closer to the bed, ensuring the baby was within reach.
"Let's move her now," the second nurse said.
---
Scene Three
The Corridor – Silent Journey
The stretcher rolled slowly through the hospital corridor.
The wheels made almost no sound. The corridor lights reflected softly off the white walls, creating a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Rimsha lay still, her face serene.
Her daughter slept beside her, unaware of the quiet journey.
At the nurses' station, one nurse stopped briefly.
"Private room number seven," she informed softly.
They continued onward.
---
Scene Four
The Private Room – A New Beginning
The private room was warm and softly lit. Curtains filtered the sunlight, casting a gentle glow across the room. A small couch sat against the wall, along with chairs neatly arranged near the bed.
The nurses carefully shifted Rimsha onto the bed, adjusting her position for comfort.
They placed the cot beside her, close enough that Rimsha could reach her daughter when she woke.
One nurse leaned in and whispered softly, though Rimsha could not hear.
"Rest well, mama."
Before leaving, one of the nurses stepped out to inform the family.
---
Scene Five
Outside the Room – The Announcement
Imran stood near the corridor window, arms crossed, eyes heavy with fatigue yet filled with anticipation. Kulsoom aunty sat nearby, tasbeeh still in her hand. Hameed sahib stood beside Maryam and Haroon, while Ubaid and Irfan whispered quietly to each other.
A nurse approached them.
"She's been shifted to the private room," the nurse said softly.
"She's sleeping right now. You may go in, but please keep voices low."
Imran's face immediately softened.
"She's okay?" he asked.
"Yes," the nurse smiled.
"Both mother and baby are fine."
Kulsoom aunty closed her eyes briefly.
"Allah ka shukar," she whispered.
---
Scene Six
Entering the Room – Quiet Reverence
The family entered the room slowly, almost tiptoeing.
Imran was the first to step inside. His eyes immediately found Rimsha.
She looked fragile yet peaceful, resting quietly on the bed.
His gaze then moved to the cot.
His daughter.
His throat tightened.
Maryam followed, her eyes filling with emotion at the sight.
"Kitni sukoon mein lag rahi hai," she whispered.
Kulsoom aunty stepped inside next, hands clasped together, lips moving silently in prayer.
Hameed sahib entered with measured steps, his expression calm but deeply emotional.
Ubaid and Irfan peeked in curiously, standing close to their parents.
Everyone took seats quietly—some on chairs, some on the couch—creating a circle of silent presence around the sleeping mother and child.
---
Scene Seven
Whispers and Smiles
For a few moments, no one spoke.
The only sounds were Rimsha's gentle breathing and the faint hospital noises beyond the door.
Finally, Kulsoom aunty spoke softly.
"Bohat pyari lag rahi hai," she said, looking at the baby.
"Bilkul Rimsha jaisi."
Imran smiled faintly.
"Lekin aankhein meri hain," he whispered, half joking.
Maryam smiled.
"Abhi se claim shuru," she teased quietly.
Haroon leaned closer to Imran.
"Bhai, mubarak ho," he said softly.
"Zindagi ka sab se khoobsurat role mil gaya hai."
Imran nodded, eyes still fixed on his wife.
"Main kabhi itna khush… aur itna darra hua bhi nahi tha," he admitted quietly.
Maryam placed a reassuring hand on his arm.
"Tum acha baap bano ge," she said confidently.
---
Scene Eight
Children's Innocent Wonder
Ubaid leaned toward Irfan.
"Woh itni choti kyun hai?" he whispered.
Irfan shrugged.
"Baby hai na."
Maryam turned slightly.
"Dheere bolo," she whispered.
"Aunty so rahi hain."
Ubaid nodded quickly.
"Sorry," he whispered.
Kulsoom aunty smiled at the boys.
"Jab bari ho gi, tum dono usko school le kar jao ge," she said softly.
Ubaid's eyes widened.
"Sach?"
"Bilkul," she nodded.
Irfan grinned proudly.
"Main usko protect karoon ga."
---
Scene Nine
A Husband's Silent Moment
Imran slowly stood and walked closer to the bed.
He stood there, looking at Rimsha—his wife, the woman who had just brought their child into the world.
Her face looked tired yet beautiful, untouched by worry in her sleep.
He gently adjusted the blanket near her shoulder, barely brushing her hand.
"She's strong," he whispered to himself.
Kulsoom aunty watched her son quietly, her heart full.
"Allah ne tum dono ko bohat bari zimmedari di hai," she said softly.
Imran nodded.
"Main poori koshish karoon ga, Ammi."
---
Scene Ten
Waiting for Awakening
Time passed slowly in the private room.
No one felt the urge to check their phone or speak loudly. The moment demanded silence, patience, and gratitude.
Maryam leaned back on the couch.
"Jab uthe gi," she whispered,
"Sab se pehle baby ko dekhe gi."
Kulsoom aunty smiled.
"Us waqt ki khushi ka koi muqabla nahi."
Imran sat back down, hands clasped, eyes never straying far from Rimsha and their daughter.
Outside the window, sunlight streamed in fully now, announcing a new day.
Inside the room, a new chapter had already begun—quietly, gently, wrapped in love and whispered prayers.