Scene One
Private Room No. 7 – Evening Light
The evening light filtered softly into Private Room No. 7, painting warm shades across the walls. The room felt different today—lighter, calmer, filled with a sense of completion. The smell of antiseptic was still there, but it was overpowered by hope, folded clothes, and quiet smiles.
Rimsha sat upright on the bed, Fatima sleeping peacefully in her arms. Her face looked healthier than yesterday, color slowly returning, eyes clearer, movements steadier. There was tiredness, yes—but it was the tiredness of recovery, not fear.
Maryam sat near the window, gently rocking the baby's bag with her foot. Kulsoom aunty stood near the cupboard, carefully arranging Rimsha's shawl and Fatima's tiny clothes as if the room itself needed to be tidied before they left.
Imran stood near the door, hands in his pockets, glancing at Rimsha again and again, as if reassuring himself that this moment was real.
A soft knock echoed.
"Come in," Maryam said.
The door opened, and Dr. Hira entered with her clipboard, her calm smile exactly as reassuring as ever.
"Good evening," she greeted.
"Kaise hain aaj meri patient?"
Rimsha smiled.
"Alhamdulillah, bohat behtar," she replied.
"Kal se zyada strong feel ho raha hai."
Dr. Hira nodded approvingly and moved closer.
"Let me just check one last time."
She checked Rimsha's vitals carefully, asking small questions along the way.
"Chakkar to nahi aa rahe?"
"Pain manageable hai?"
"Sleep theek ho rahi hai?"
Rimsha answered patiently.
"Sab theek hai, doctor," she said.
"Bas thori thakan."
Dr. Hira smiled.
"Thakan rehni hi chahiye," she said lightly.
"Iska matlab body kaam kar rahi hai."
She then checked Fatima, gently adjusting the blanket, smiling when the baby made a soft sound.
"MashAllah," she murmured.
"Perfect."
Dr. Hira straightened up and turned toward Imran.
"Imran," she said calmly,
"Please come with me for a moment."
Imran nodded immediately.
"Ji, doctor."
Maryam looked at him briefly, then at Rimsha.
"Main yahin hoon," she said softly.
Rimsha nodded, her eyes full of trust.
---
Scene Two
Dr. Hira's Chamber – Instructions and Responsibility
Dr. Hira's private chamber was quiet, files neatly stacked on her desk. She gestured for Imran to sit, then took a seat herself.
"Imran," she began seriously,
"Ab hospital ka hissa khatam ho raha hai, lekin recovery ka safar ab shuru hota hai."
Imran listened attentively, leaning forward.
"Sab se pehli baat," Dr. Hira said,
"Rimsha ko complete rest chahiye. No unnecessary stress."
She ticked points on her fingers.
"Heavy kaam bilkul nahi."
"Zyada der kharay rehna mana hai."
"Proper sleep aur hydration bohat zaroori hai."
Imran nodded.
"Ji, main khud khayal rakhon ga," he said.
Dr. Hira continued.
"Diet ka bohat khayal rakhna hai. Light aur nutritious food."
She explained carefully.
"Daliya, soups, daal, sabziyaan."
"Fresh fruits—but not in excess."
"Milk aur warm liquids."
She paused, then added firmly.
"Tez masalay, junk food, bahar ka khana—strictly no."
"Cold drinks, caffeine—avoid."
Imran smiled faintly.
"Woh khud bhi mana karti hain," he said.
"Lekin main aur strict ho jaon ga."
Dr. Hira smiled approvingly.
"Good," she said.
"Aur agar kisi bhi waqt dizziness, fever, ya unusual pain ho, immediately hospital."
She opened a file and signed a paper.
"I'm signing the discharge orders," she said calmly.
"Lekin yaad rakhna—responsibility ab tumhari hai."
Imran stood up, his expression serious and sincere.
"I promise," he said firmly.
"Main Rimsha aur Fatima dono ka poora khayal rakhon ga."
Dr. Hira nodded.
"I know," she said warmly.
"You'll do well."
As she stood to leave, Imran followed her out, gratitude clear in his eyes.
"Thank you, doctor," he said.
"Dil se."
She smiled gently.
"Allah dono ko khush rakhay."
---
Scene Three
Discharge Formalities – A Gentle Disagreement
Back in Room No. 7, the atmosphere had shifted. Bags were packed, flowers gathered, Fatima wrapped carefully.
Haroon had arrived and stood near the door, speaking quietly with a nurse. Maryam was helping Rimsha put on her shawl.
Dr. Hira entered briefly.
"Discharge orders signed," she announced.
"Nurse will start formalities."
Everyone smiled.
"Shukar hai," Kulsoom aunty whispered.
Soon after, a hospital staff member came with the bill file.
Haroon reached for his wallet immediately.
"Main handle kar leta hoon," he said firmly.
Before he could step forward, Imran gently but decisively placed a hand on his arm.
"Nahi, Haroon bhai," Imran said.
"Please."
Haroon looked at him.
"Imran, ismein koi baat nahi," he replied.
"Tum log already bohat kuch dekh chukay ho."
Imran shook his head respectfully.
"Rimsha meri biwi hai," he said calmly.
"Aur Fatima meri beti. Yeh meri zimmedari hai."
Haroon opened his mouth to argue, but Imran continued, his tone firm yet polite.
"Aapka saath aur support bohat qeemti hai," he said.
"Lekin bills mujhe ada karne dein."
There was a brief silence.
Maryam looked at Haroon.
"Haroon," she said softly,
"Usay karne do."
Haroon sighed lightly, then nodded.
"Alright," he said.
"Lekin yeh sirf is dafa."
Imran smiled gratefully.
"Shukriya."
He turned to the counter and completed the payment, his shoulders straight, his steps confident.
---
Scene Four
Leaving the Hospital – Two Homes, One Peace
The hospital corridor echoed softly as the family moved together toward the exit. A nurse wheeled Fatima's cot carefully while Rimsha walked slowly, supported by Imran on one side and Maryam on the other.
Outside, the evening air felt fresh, almost new.
Cars waited near the entrance.
Kulsoom aunty adjusted Rimsha's shawl.
"Thand hai," she murmured.
"Dhyaan rakhna."
Maryam leaned forward and kissed Rimsha's forehead.
"Rest lena," she said softly.
"Main kal aa jaon gi."
Kulsoom aunty smiled.
"Maryam beta," she said warmly,
"Aaj raat ka khana hamaray saath kar lo."
Maryam hesitated, then smiled apologetically.
"Ammi," she replied gently,
"Aaj thori thakan hai. Aur Rimsha ko bhi sakoon chahiye."
She glanced at her sister.
"Kal raat pakka aaon gi."
Kulsoom aunty nodded in understanding.
"Bilkul," she said.
"Aram sab se pehla hai."
Haroon shook hands with Imran.
"Khuda hifazat," he said.
Imran smiled.
"Thank you for everything, bhai."
The cars slowly pulled away—one carrying Rimsha, Imran, Fatima, and Kulsoom aunty toward their home; the other carrying Maryam, Haroon, and the boys toward theirs.
As the hospital faded behind them, a quiet chapter closed.
Recovery had begun.
Home awaited.
And life, gentle and full, moved forward once again.