Scene One
Alternate Days, Familiar Paths
Rimsha's routine had quietly settled into a rhythm. She no longer came to Amana Superstore every single day; instead, she visited on alternate days—just enough to stay connected, involved, and confident, without overwhelming herself or little Fatima.
With each visit, something changed.
Fatima, who once clung only to her mother, had started recognizing faces.
As soon as they entered the store, her eyes would light up, her tiny hands moving excitedly. The bright lights, the soft hum of voices, the familiar smell of the store—it had all become part of her small world.
But above all, there was one person she liked the most.
Saba.
The moment Saba appeared in sight, Fatima would stretch her arms forward, making soft sounds that left no doubt about her preference.
"Lagta hai meri job khatre mein hai," Rimsha once joked.
"Yeh mujhe bhool hi jaye gi."
Saba laughed, lifting Fatima into her arms.
"Aray nahi ma'am," she replied warmly.
"Main toh bas temporary hoon."
But everyone knew—Fatima was happiest with Saba.
---
Scene Two
A Special Morning
One such morning, Rimsha arrived at the office earlier than usual. Fatima sat comfortably in her lap, chewing on her soft toy while Rimsha went through files.
Imran had already briefed her.
"Aaj media correspondence aa rahi hai," he had said earlier.
"Public survey ke liye."
Rimsha nodded, mentally preparing.
She adjusted Fatima gently.
"Aaj mummy ka thora kaam zyada hai," she whispered.
"Tum shor nahi machao gi, theek hai?"
Fatima responded by patting Rimsha's arm, completely unaware of the seriousness of the situation.
A soft knock echoed at the door.
"Yes?" Rimsha called.
A female media reporter stood outside, holding her ID card politely.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum," the reporter greeted.
"May I come in, ma'am?"
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam," Rimsha replied calmly.
"Please, come in."
The reporter entered, glancing briefly at Fatima with a warm smile.
"She's adorable," she said.
"Thank you," Rimsha replied.
"She's our youngest observer today."
---
Scene Three
Hospitality and Orders
As the reporter settled down, Rimsha pressed the call bell on her desk.
Within moments, the peon appeared.
"Ji ma'am?"
"Please arrange tea," Rimsha instructed.
"And some light snacks."
"Ji ma'am," he replied.
She paused, then added,
"Aur Saba ko office bhej dein."
The peon nodded and left.
The reporter opened her notebook.
"Ma'am," she began,
"We're conducting a public perception survey regarding retail environments and customer satisfaction."
Rimsha nodded attentively, gently rocking Fatima in her lap.
"Please proceed," she said.
---
Scene Four
Fatima and Saba
A few minutes later, there was another knock.
"Come in," Rimsha said.
Saba entered, her face lighting up instantly when she saw Fatima.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum," she said cheerfully.
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam," Rimsha replied.
"Saba, zara isay sambhaal lo."
Before Rimsha could even fully extend her arms, Fatima leaned forward eagerly.
"Aray wah," Saba laughed, carefully taking her.
"Aaj bhi mujhe hi choose kiya?"
Fatima responded by resting her head against Saba's shoulder.
Rimsha smiled in relief.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"Meeting chal rahi hai."
"No problem, ma'am," Saba replied.
"I'll stay right here."
She moved slightly aside, gently swaying Fatima while the conversation continued.
---
Scene Five
Professional Talk
The media reporter observed the interaction briefly, then smiled.
"It's rare to see such balance," she said.
"Work and family together."
Rimsha met her gaze calmly.
"It's not always easy," she replied honestly.
"But it's possible—with support."
The reporter nodded, writing something down.
They discussed store management, customer experience, employee satisfaction, and future plans. Rimsha answered confidently, her voice steady, her posture relaxed.
Outside the glass walls of the office, life continued—customers walked by, staff moved efficiently, and Amana Superstore functioned like a well-tuned machine.
And somewhere within it, a baby slept peacefully in the arms of a trusted colleague.
---
Scene Six
Tea Break
The peon returned with a tray—tea cups, biscuits, and light snacks.
"Thank you," Rimsha said.
She gestured politely toward the reporter.
"Please," she offered.
As they took a short break, the reporter glanced again at Fatima.
"She's very calm," she remarked.
Saba smiled proudly.
"Yeh meri wajah se hai," she joked.
Rimsha laughed softly.
"Bilkul," she agreed.
"Isay Saba ki goad bohat pasand hai."
---
Scene Seven
Meeting Ends
After nearly an hour, the reporter closed her notebook.
"Thank you for your time, ma'am," she said, standing up.
"This was very insightful."
"You're welcome," Rimsha replied.
"Safe journey."
The reporter nodded and exited the office.
As soon as the door closed, Rimsha exhaled slowly.
"Khatam," she murmured.
Saba walked closer.
"Meeting achi rahi?" she asked.
"Bohat achi," Rimsha replied.
"And tumhari madad ke baghair mushkil hota."
She extended her arms.
"Saba, de do isay."
Saba gently handed Fatima back to Rimsha.
Fatima blinked, then immediately grabbed Rimsha's dupatta.
"Lagta hai mummy wapas aa gayi," Saba said with a smile.
---
Scene Eight
Lunch and Goodbye
After lunch, Rimsha packed her bag and stood up.
"Aaj yahin tak," she said.
"Main ghar ja rahi hoon."
Saba nodded.
"Kal milenge," she said, waving at Fatima.
Fatima responded with a small, happy sound.
As Rimsha stepped out of the office, holding her daughter close, she felt something warm settle in her heart.
She wasn't torn between roles.
She wasn't choosing one world over another.
She was simply living—one alternate day at a time—surrounded by understanding, trust, and small moments that mattered.
And that, she realized, was more than enough.