Scene One
Time Moves Quietly
Time had passed so softly that no one realized when a tiny newborn had turned into a curious little girl who crawled fast, laughed loudly, and filled the house with her playful sounds.
Fatima was growing.
Her eyes sparkled with recognition now. She responded to her name, clapped when someone smiled at her, and protested loudly when her toys were taken away. Her steps were still unsteady, but her confidence was not. She tried standing with support, holding onto sofas, tables, and sometimes her mother's dupatta.
One evening, Rimsha sat on the floor of the TV lounge, spreading Fatima's toys around her. Fatima was busy trying to put a soft cube into her mouth while Imran sat nearby, watching both of them with a gentle smile.
Rimsha suddenly paused.
"Imran…" she said thoughtfully.
"Yes?" he replied.
She looked at Fatima, then back at him.
"Do you realize something?" she asked.
Imran raised an eyebrow.
"Kya?"
"Our daughter is turning one," Rimsha said softly.
Imran blinked, then smiled slowly.
"One year already?" he said.
"Lagta hi nahi."
---
Scene Two
The Idea
That night, after Fatima fell asleep, Rimsha and Imran sat on their bed, leaning against the headboard. Rimsha held her phone, scrolling through pictures—Fatima's first smile, her first crawl, her first attempt at standing.
"Imran," Rimsha said again, excitement creeping into her voice,
"we should celebrate her first birthday properly."
Imran nodded.
"Of course. First birthday sirf ek baar aata hai."
Rimsha smiled.
"You remember," she said,
"last time jab Irfan ka first birthday celebrate kiya tha?"
Imran chuckled.
"Kaise bhool sakta hoon," he replied.
"Amana Superstore ke rooftop par. Poora rooftop balloons se bhara hua tha."
Rimsha's eyes lit up.
"Exactly!" she said.
"I think it's a perfect place for Fatima's first birthday party too."
Imran looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Rooftop?" he asked.
"Haan, achi jagah hai."
Then he smiled.
"OK ma'am," he said playfully.
"As you wish."
Rimsha laughed.
"But yaad rahe," Imran added gently,
"sirf 20 days remaining hain birthday function mein."
Rimsha waved her hand confidently.
"Aah," she said,
"don't worry about everything."
Imran shook his head, amused.
"Tumhara confidence kabhi kam nahi hota," he said.
---
Scene Three
Planning Begins
Over the next few days, planning became part of their daily conversations.
Sometimes it happened during breakfast, sometimes late at night.
Rimsha sat at the dining table, making notes in a small diary.
"Theme kya ho?" she murmured.
Imran peeked over her shoulder.
"Pink?" he suggested.
Rimsha smiled.
"Obviously," she said.
"Fatima ke liye pink perfect hai."
She wrote something down.
"Balloons, fairy lights, cartoon cutouts…" she continued.
Imran laughed.
"Lagta hai poora rooftop nursery banne wala hai," he said.
Rimsha looked at him seriously.
"First birthday hai," she replied.
"Special hona chahiye."
Imran nodded.
"Bilkul," he agreed.
"Main event management aur decoration ka dekh leta hoon."
Rimsha looked relieved.
"Thank you," she said softly.
---
Scene Four
The Invitation Cards
A few days later, Rimsha spread colorful invitation cards on the coffee table. Fatima sat beside her, tapping one card repeatedly.
"Dekho," Rimsha said, holding one up.
"Kitni cute hai."
Imran picked one and read aloud:
"'Our little princess Fatima is turning ONE.'"
He smiled.
"Perfect," he said.
Rimsha nodded.
"We'll distribute these ourselves," she said.
"Friends, relatives, aur Amana Superstore ke staff ko."
Imran agreed.
"Sabko personally invite karna acha hota hai," he said.
---
Scene Five
At Amana Superstore
One morning, Rimsha and Imran arrived at Amana Superstore together. Fatima sat comfortably in Rimsha's arms, wearing a soft pink dress.
As they entered, Saba noticed them immediately.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum," Saba greeted cheerfully.
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam," Rimsha replied.
She handed her an invitation card.
"Fatima ka first birthday hai," Rimsha said warmly.
"You must come."
Saba's face lit up.
"Zaroor ma'am!" she said excitedly.
"Mujhe bohat khushi hogi."
Fatima babbled softly, drawing Saba's attention.
"Aray," Saba laughed,
"birthday girl khud invite kar rahi hai."
Rimsha smiled.
They continued distributing cards—Kashif, other supervisors, staff members from different departments. Everyone congratulated them warmly, offering prayers and smiles.
---
Scene Six
Friends and Relatives
In the evenings, Rimsha and Imran visited relatives and close friends.
At Maryam's house, Rimsha handed the card to her sister.
"Fatima ka first birthday," Rimsha said softly.
Maryam smiled, holding the card close.
"Ek saal kaise guzar gaya," she said emotionally.
"Hum zaroor aayenge."
Ubaid and Irfan crowded around Fatima.
"Hum gift laayenge," Ubaid announced proudly.
Fatima responded with a giggle.
Imran watched quietly, his heart full.
---
Scene Seven
Counting Days
That night, back at home, Rimsha placed the diary on the bedside table.
"Invitations almost done," she said.
Imran leaned back, relaxed.
"Time ka pata hi nahi chalega," he said.
"Bas 20 din aur."
Rimsha looked at Fatima, who slept peacefully between them.
"One year," she whispered.
"One beautiful year."
Imran placed his hand gently over Rimsha's.
"And many more to come," he said softly.
The room fell silent, filled with the quiet comfort of family, love, and anticipation for a celebration that was more than just a birthday—it was a celebration of life, growth, and togetherness.