Scene One
Morning of the Big Day
The morning of Fatima's first birthday arrived softly, wrapped in sunlight and quiet excitement.
Rimsha woke up earlier than usual. For a moment, she lay still, listening to the gentle breathing of her little daughter sleeping beside her. Fatima had one tiny hand curled near her cheek, the other resting on Rimsha's arm as if even in sleep she wanted reassurance.
Rimsha smiled.
"Today is your day, meri jaan," she whispered.
She carefully got out of bed and moved toward the window. Outside, the city was waking up—shops opening, traffic beginning, life moving forward. But for her, the day felt paused, special.
In the kitchen, Kulsoom aunty was already awake, heating milk.
"Good morning," Rimsha greeted softly.
Kulsoom aunty turned, smiling warmly.
"Good morning beta. Aaj ka din bohat khaas hai."
"Yes," Rimsha replied, her voice glowing with happiness.
"Sab kuch time par ho raha hai na?"
Kulsoom aunty nodded.
"Bilkul. Tum bas tension mat lo."
---
Scene Two
Cleaning the Rooftop
By mid-morning, Imran reached Amana Superstore earlier than usual. He had already hired professional cleaners for the rooftop.
The rooftop was wide and open, offering a clear view of the city skyline. Years ago, it had hosted Irfan's first birthday. Today, it was going to witness another milestone.
Imran supervised the work himself.
"Is side ko bhi achi tarah clean kar dein," he instructed one of the workers.
"Dust bilkul nahi honi chahiye."
"Yes sir," the cleaner replied.
Brooms swept, water splashed, old boxes were removed, and every corner was carefully cleaned. By the time lunch break approached, the rooftop looked fresh and empty—like a blank canvas waiting for colors.
Imran looked around with satisfaction.
"Perfect," he murmured.
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Scene Three
After Lunch – Decorations Begin
Right after lunch, the event management team arrived with vans full of decorations.
Carpets were rolled out first—soft, elegant carpeting covering the entire rooftop floor.
"Stage yahan hoga," the manager said, pointing.
Balloon arches followed—pink, white, and golden balloons floating gracefully, tied together in perfect harmony. Fairy lights were installed along the railings. A beautifully decorated cake table was placed near the stage, covered in pink fabric with golden accents.
Imran walked around, checking every detail.
"Cake table thora center mein," he suggested.
"Ji sir," the decorator replied, adjusting it immediately.
Slowly, the rooftop transformed—from a simple open space into a magical celebration venue.
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Scene Four
Getting Ready at Home
As evening approached, the atmosphere at home changed. Laughter, movement, and excitement filled every room.
Kulsoom aunty wore a graceful golden and peach combination dress, elegant yet simple. Hameed uncle matched her with a subtle peach kurta, looking dignified and proud.
Rimsha stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her pink and golden saree. Her hair was styled softly, her jewelry minimal yet radiant.
Maryam helped her adjust the pallu.
"You look beautiful," Maryam said sincerely.
Rimsha smiled nervously.
"Sab Fatima ki wajah se hai."
Fatima, dressed in a tiny pink frock with a small bow, crawled on the bed, trying to grab everything she could see.
Imran, wearing a peach and white kurta shalwar, picked her up.
"Birthday girl ready?" he asked playfully.
Fatima responded with a giggle.
---
Scene Five
Arrival at the Rooftop
By 7:00 pm, family members started reaching Amana Superstore. The rooftop lights were glowing softly against the darkening sky.
Hameed uncle and Kulsoom aunty arrived early, standing near the entrance to welcome guests. Maryam and her family were already there, helping guide people.
At 7:30 pm, guests began arriving—friends, relatives, staff members—each carrying gift bags wrapped in colorful paper.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum," voices echoed.
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam," hosts replied warmly.
Children ran around excitedly, pointing at balloons and decorations.
"This is so pretty!" one child exclaimed.
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Scene Six
The Hosts' Grand Entry
Suddenly, a gentle announcement caught everyone's attention.
"Please welcome our special hosts…"
Imran entered first, holding Fatima carefully in his arms. Rimsha walked beside him, her saree flowing softly.
Guests stood up instinctively.
Claps filled the rooftop.
Smiles widened.
Fatima looked around, surprised by the sudden attention, then laughed—completely unaware that she was the reason for all this joy.
Kulsoom aunty wiped a tear discreetly.
"Ek saal itni jaldi guzar gaya," she whispered to Maryam.
---
Scene Seven
Cake Cutting Ceremony – 8:30 PM
At exactly 8:30 pm, everyone gathered near the cake table.
The cake was beautiful—pink and white, decorated with tiny flowers and a bold "1" on top.
Imran gently held Fatima's hand.
"Ready?" Rimsha whispered to her daughter.
Maryam started counting aloud.
"Three… two… one!"
The knife touched the cake with Fatima's tiny fingers on it.
Claps, cheers, and laughter erupted.
"Happy Birthday Fatima!" everyone shouted.
Rimsha fed a small piece of cake to Fatima, who tasted it with curiosity, then smiled.
Imran fed cake to Rimsha.
Kulsoom aunty and Hameed uncle blessed the baby.
"Allah tumhein hamesha khush rakhe," Hameed uncle said softly.
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Scene Eight
Dinner Time
An hour later, dinner was served.
Waiters moved smoothly between tables, serving guests where they were seated. The aroma of food filled the rooftop.
Guests enjoyed dinner, chatting and laughing.
Children sat together, comparing balloons and toys.
Rimsha finally sat down, tired but happy.
Imran leaned toward her.
"Sab acha chal raha hai?"
Rimsha nodded.
"Perfect."
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Scene Nine
Goodbyes
Gradually, guests began leaving, congratulating the family one last time.
"Bohat acha function tha," many said.
By 11:00 pm, the rooftop was quieter.
Only close family members remained, sitting together at one table.
They shared dinner, talking about the day.
"Fatima ne sabka dil jeet liya," Maryam said.
Imran smiled proudly.
Rimsha looked at her daughter, now sleepy in her arms.
"Yes," she said softly.
"Aaj uska pehla birthday tha… aur hum sab ke liye ek yaadgar din."
Above them, fairy lights twinkled gently, as if celebrating along with them—marking the end of a perfect day and the beginning of many more memories to come.