Scene One
Before Sunrise
The azan of Fajr had barely faded when Rimsha opened her eyes. For a moment, she lay still, listening—to the quiet hum of the ceiling fan, to Imran's steady breathing beside her, and to the soft, familiar sound coming from the baby cot near the bed.
Fatima stirred, making small murmuring noises, her tiny hands moving under the blanket.
Rimsha smiled.
"Good morning, meri princess," she whispered, carefully getting up.
Today was different. Today, Rimsha was going back to the office—not just as a visitor, not just for a short meeting, but properly, with intention. It wasn't a full return yet, but it was a beginning.
She went to the cot and gently lifted Fatima into her arms.
"Office chalein?" Rimsha whispered playfully.
"Dekhein aap ka kingdom—Amana Superstore."
Fatima blinked sleepily, then rested her head against her mother's shoulder.
Rimsha moved quietly to avoid waking Imran, wrapped Fatima in her warm blanket, and went to freshen up. As she changed into her simple yet elegant office outfit, she kept glancing at her daughter, making sure she was comfortable.
After a while, Imran stirred.
"Rimsha?" he murmured.
"Ji?" she replied, walking toward the bed with Fatima.
Imran opened his eyes and smiled immediately.
"Aaj toh bohat jaldi uth gayi ho," he said.
Rimsha nodded.
"Aaj special din hai," she replied.
"Office ka pehla din… Fatima ke sath."
Imran sat up, suddenly fully awake.
"Sach?" he asked, surprised and pleased.
"Tum sure ho?"
Rimsha nodded again.
"Bilkul," she said softly.
"Main ready hoon."
Imran leaned forward and kissed Fatima's forehead.
"Phir toh mujhe bhi ready hona chahiye," he said with a grin.
---
Scene Two
Stepping Out Together
By the time they were ready, the house was awake. Kulsoom aunty came into the room, concern and pride mixed on her face.
"Sab theek hai na?" she asked.
"Zyada thak toh nahi jaogi?"
Rimsha smiled reassuringly.
"Nahi aunty," she replied.
"Bas thora sa kaam, phir wapas."
Kulsoom aunty adjusted Fatima's blanket.
"Achha hai," she said.
"Bachay ko bhi naya mahaul dekhne ko mile ga."
Imran picked up the baby cot while Rimsha held Fatima carefully.
"Chalein?" Imran asked.
"Chalein," Rimsha replied.
They stepped out together—husband, wife, and daughter—into the morning air. It felt symbolic, like stepping into a new phase of life.
---
Scene Three
A Late Arrival
Traffic was heavier than expected. By the time they reached Amana Superstore, it was 10:30 a.m.
Imran looked at his watch as he parked the car.
"Yeh meri zindagi ka pehla din hai," he said dramatically,
"ke main yahan late aa raha hoon."
Rimsha laughed.
"Sir, don't worry," she said teasingly.
"Main aap ki late coming salary deduct nahi karoon gi."
Imran burst into laughter.
"Madam bohat strict lag rahi hain," he replied.
They entered the store together, staff members noticing immediately. Whispers, smiles, and respectful greetings followed them.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, sir."
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, ma'am."
Rimsha nodded politely, holding Fatima closer.
---
Scene Four
Back in the Office
Inside their office, Imran placed the baby cot near the couch, carefully positioning it.
"Yahan theek rahe ga?" he asked.
"Perfect," Rimsha replied.
She sat down on the couch and placed Fatima in her lap. Fatima looked around with wide, curious eyes—files, pens, computer screens, and unfamiliar sounds fascinated her.
"Dekho," Rimsha said softly.
"Yahan mummy ka office hai."
Fatima reached out immediately, trying to grab a file.
"Aray aray," Rimsha laughed.
"Yeh nahi."
Imran watched, amused.
"Lagta hai future manager tayyar ho rahi hai," he said.
Fatima then noticed the pen holder on the desk. Rimsha quickly handed her an unsharpened pencil.
"Yeh lo," she said.
"Is se khelo."
Fatima grabbed it tightly, banging it happily against her mother's arm.
---
Scene Five
Chocolate Trouble
As habit dictated, Rimsha reached into her handbag and took out a small chocolate.
Imran raised an eyebrow.
"Office ke pehle din bhi chocolate?" he teased.
"Routine nahi tootna chahiye," Rimsha replied lightly.
She unwrapped it and took a small bite. Immediately, Fatima's eyes locked onto the chocolate.
She leaned forward, trying to grab it with determination.
"Achha?" Rimsha laughed.
"Ab tumhein bhi chocolate chahiye?"
Fatima made a small excited sound and stretched her hand again.
"Kuch din pehle jo taste karwaya tha," Rimsha said to Imran,
"us din se yeh meri chocolate ki dushman ban gayi hai."
Imran laughed.
"Phir aaj kya plan hai?" he asked.
Rimsha thought for a moment, then lightly touched the chocolate to Fatima's lips—just a taste.
"Bas thora sa," she said.
"Zyada nahi."
Fatima reacted instantly, making a pleased sound.
"Dekha?" Rimsha smiled.
"Bas itna hi."
She pulled the chocolate away, ignoring Fatima's protest.
---
Scene Six
Saba's Visit
After about an hour, there was a knock on the office door.
"Come in," Imran said.
Saba entered, stopping mid-step when she saw Fatima in Rimsha's lap.
"Oh my God," she exclaimed softly.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum."
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam," Rimsha replied, smiling.
Saba walked closer.
"She's so big now," Saba said, amazed.
"MashAllah."
Fatima looked up at Saba, gripping her pencil tightly.
"Lagta hai aaj ka meeting agenda bhi yahi decide kare gi," Imran joked.
Saba laughed.
"I just came to check," she said,
"if everything is comfortable for you, ma'am."
"Bilkul," Rimsha replied.
"Thank you."
Saba smiled warmly at Fatima.
"Welcome back," she said sincerely.
---
Scene Seven
Lunch and Departure
By lunchtime, Rimsha felt satisfied—not tired, not overwhelmed. Just content.
Imran looked at her carefully.
"Ab ghar chalein?" he asked.
Rimsha nodded.
"Haan," she replied.
"Fatima ko bhi aaram chahiye."
They had lunch together at a nearby café—simple, quiet, and unhurried. Fatima slept peacefully in her blanket.
After lunch, Rimsha stood up.
"Main ghar ja rahi hoon," she said gently.
"Tum apna din complete karo."
Imran nodded.
"Main shaam ko aa jaoon ga," he replied.
He walked them to the car, carefully placing Fatima in her seat.
"Apna khayal rakhna," he said.
"Tum bhi," Rimsha replied.
---
Scene Eight
A Gentle Ending
As Rimsha drove away, Imran watched the car disappear, a soft smile on his face.
He returned to the office, feeling lighter than he had in months.
Rimsha, on the other hand, felt something equally precious—confidence. She had taken a step forward without leaving anything behind.
At home, Fatima stirred in her sleep, unaware that she had just accompanied her mother through the first page of a new chapter—one where work, love, and motherhood walked side by side.
The balance wasn't perfect.
But it was real.
And it had just begun.