Scene One
An Invitation Filled with Care
Two days had passed since Rimsha and baby Fatima returned home. The house had slowly settled into a new rhythm—soft cries, gentle footsteps, whispered conversations, and the constant presence of Kulsoom aunty, who seemed to have transformed into a full-time guardian of both mother and child.
That afternoon, as sunlight streamed into the living room, Kulsoom aunty held her phone thoughtfully.
"It's been days," she murmured to herself.
"Maryam ko bhi milna chahiye Fatima se proper."
She dialed Haroon's number.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Haroon beta," she said warmly when the call connected.
"Aaj shaam khanay par aa jao sab log. Ghar ka hi simple khana hai."
On the other end, Maryam leaned closer, already smiling.
"Aunty, hum zaroor aayen ge," Maryam said eagerly.
"Main bhi Rimsha se milna chahti hoon."
Kulsoom aunty smiled, satisfied.
"Bas waqt par aa jana," she said.
"Aur zyada formal hone ki zarurat nahi."
As she ended the call, she turned toward Rimsha, who was sitting on the sofa with Fatima sleeping peacefully in her arms.
"Sun liya?" Kulsoom aunty said gently.
"Shaam ko mehmaan aa rahe hain."
Rimsha smiled softly.
"Maryam aa rahi hai?" she asked.
"Haan," Kulsoom aunty replied.
"Is liye tum bilkul extra kaam nahi karogi."
Rimsha chuckled lightly.
"Ji, theek hai," she said obediently.
---
Scene Two
Evening Arrivals – Smiles at the Door
As evening approached, the house filled with a familiar warmth. The dining table was set simply, the aroma of home-cooked food floating gently through the air.
Rimsha slowly stood up, adjusting Fatima in her arms, intending to walk toward the bedroom.
Kulsoom aunty immediately noticed.
"Rimsha!" she said firmly.
"Bas, bas. Zyada chalna mana hai."
Rimsha paused instantly.
"Main sirf—"
"Sirf bhi nahi," Kulsoom aunty interrupted gently but firmly.
"Abhi sirf chaar din huay hain delivery ko. Zyada kharay rehna bilkul nahi."
Rimsha smiled and nodded.
"Ji aunty," she said softly, sitting back down.
The doorbell rang.
Kulsoom aunty's face lit up.
"Aa gaye lagta hai."
Imran moved to open the door.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum!"
Maryam entered first, her eyes immediately searching the room.
"Rimsha!" she exclaimed, rushing forward but stopping herself midway.
"Sorry—main bhool gayi."
Rimsha laughed lightly.
"Door se hi khushi mana lo," she teased.
Maryam smiled, eyes shining.
"Tum bilkul alag lag rahi ho," she said softly.
"Strong… aur khush."
Haroon entered behind her with Ubaid and Irfan, both boys barely able to contain their excitement.
"Aunty!" Ubaid called out.
"Baby kahan hai?"
Kulsoom aunty chuckled.
"Aray, pehle salam," she said.
Both boys quickly greeted everyone, then tiptoed toward Fatima's cot placed near Rimsha.
---
Scene Three
Tiny Smiles and Big Joy
Ubaid leaned forward carefully.
"She bilkul doll jaisi hai," he whispered.
Irfan nodded enthusiastically.
"Fatima," he said softly,
"Main Irfan hoon."
Fatima stirred slightly, her tiny face scrunching before she opened her eyes. For a brief moment, she looked around—and then, almost magically, a small sweet smile appeared on her lips.
Ubaid gasped.
"She muskurai!" he whispered excitedly.
Irfan clapped his hands quietly.
"Usay main pasand hoon," he declared proudly.
Everyone laughed softly.
Maryam covered her mouth, eyes moist.
"MashAllah," she whispered.
"Yeh smile hi sab kuch bhula deti hai."
Rimsha watched the scene quietly, her heart overflowing.
"Main bohat miss kar rahi thi tum sab ko," she said softly to Maryam.
Maryam sat beside her carefully.
"Aur hum tumhein," she replied.
"Tum strong ho, Rimsha. Bohat strong."
Kulsoom aunty watched them fondly.
"Bas isi tarah pyar aur sukoon rahe," she murmured.
---
Scene Four
Dinner Table – Shared Laughter
Dinner was served soon after. Everyone gathered around the table, conversations flowing naturally.
Rimsha stood up instinctively to help, but Kulsoom aunty immediately intervened.
"Rimsha, baith jao," she said firmly.
"Yeh kaam baqi sab kar lein ge."
Rimsha raised her hands in surrender.
"Ji, theek hai," she said with a smile.
Haroon laughed lightly.
"Aunty, aap to poori army general ban gayi hain," he joked.
Kulsoom aunty smiled proudly.
"Is waqt discipline zaroori hai," she replied.
As they ate, Ubaid shared stories from school, Irfan talked about his drawings, and Imran listened quietly, occasionally glancing at Rimsha and Fatima with a soft smile.
Maryam leaned toward Kulsoom aunty.
"Khana bohat acha hai," she said sincerely.
"Simple cheezon mein hi barkat hoti hai," Kulsoom aunty replied.
Fatima slept peacefully throughout dinner, as if aware that she was safe among loving voices.
---
Scene Five
Goodbyes Wrapped in Affection
After dinner, tea was served briefly. The evening had deepened, and it was time for Maryam's family to leave.
Maryam stood and walked toward Rimsha.
"Ab main chalti hoon," she said softly.
"Kal phir aaon gi."
Rimsha reached out and held her hand.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"Aaj ka din bohat acha tha."
Maryam smiled.
"Ab aise hi din hon ge," she said.
"InshaAllah."
Kulsoom aunty kissed Maryam's forehead.
"Apna khayal rakhna," she said.
Ubaid and Irfan waved excitedly at Fatima.
"Bye Fatima!" they said together.
As the door closed behind Maryam's family, the house returned to its gentle calm.
Rimsha looked around, then down at her daughter.
"Dekha, Fatima," she whispered.
"Tum ne sab ko ikatha kar diya."
Kulsoom aunty smiled from across the room.
"Bas ab tum dono aram karo," she said softly.
The night settled peacefully, wrapped in love, care, and the quiet promise of brighter days ahead.