Scene One
A Calm Afternoon in the TV Lounge
Days passed gently after Fatima's first birthday, flowing quietly like a peaceful river. Life returned to its soft routine, but every day carried small wonders—especially because Fatima was growing, changing, discovering the world one moment at a time.
That afternoon, sunlight filtered through the large windows of the TV lounge, spreading a warm glow across the room. The curtains swayed lightly with the breeze.
Kulsoom aunty sat comfortably on one side of the sofa, her glasses resting low on her nose, watching a family drama on television. Rimsha sat beside her, one leg folded beneath her, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone while occasionally glancing at the screen.
Between them, on the soft carpeted floor, little Fatima stood holding the edge of the sofa tightly with both hands.
Her tiny fingers gripped the fabric as if the sofa was her lifeline.
Kulsoom aunty smiled, noticing her stance.
"Dekho dekho," she said softly, nudging Rimsha.
"Lagta hai aaj kuch naya hone wala hai."
Rimsha looked down, her heart skipping a beat.
Fatima stood there—wobbly, determined, curious.
---
Scene Two
A Silent Decision
Fatima slowly shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Her brows furrowed in concentration, lips slightly parted. She looked around as if measuring the distance between herself and the open space in front of her.
Rimsha straightened immediately.
"Ammi…," she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement.
"Fatima kuch karne wali hai."
Kulsoom aunty leaned forward, eyes sparkling.
"Shayad… chalna."
Rimsha's hand flew to her phone. She unlocked it in a hurry, switched to the camera, and pressed record—her fingers slightly shaking.
"Bas… bas… record ho gaya," she murmured to herself.
Fatima loosened her grip.
One hand let go of the sofa.
Then the other.
For a brief second, she stood without support—tiny legs trembling, body swaying like a leaf in the wind.
Rimsha held her breath.
---
Scene Three
The First Step
Fatima lifted one foot hesitantly.
It hovered in the air, uncertain.
Then—slowly—it touched the carpet.
Rimsha gasped softly.
"Ammi… Ammi dekhein!"
Kulsoom aunty pressed her hand to her chest.
"Ya Allah…"
Fatima lifted the other foot.
Another step.
Her arms stretched out sideways, trying to balance herself. Her eyes were wide, her expression a mix of confusion and courage.
Rimsha whispered encouragingly.
"Shabash meri jaan… shabash…"
Fatima took another step.
And another.
Her steps were uneven, clumsy, but real.
"She's walking!" Rimsha exclaimed, her voice breaking with joy.
Kulsoom aunty's eyes filled with tears.
"Allah ka shukar… pehla qadam…"
---
Scene Four
A Sudden Stumble
As Fatima tried to take one more step, her balance faltered. Her little body tilted forward.
Rimsha reacted instantly.
She lunged from the sofa, catching Fatima just before she could fall.
"Aray aray…," Rimsha laughed breathlessly, lifting her up.
Fatima giggled, completely unbothered, wrapping her tiny arms around her mother's neck.
Kulsoom aunty chuckled through her tears.
"Bach gayi meri shehzadi."
Rimsha kissed Fatima's cheek repeatedly.
"Meri strong girl… meri brave girl…"
She held her close for a few seconds, her heart pounding with emotion.
Then, gently, she placed Fatima back on the carpet.
---
Scene Five
Calling Her Forward
Rimsha moved a few steps away and sat down on the floor, facing Fatima. She stretched her arms forward invitingly.
"Aao," she said softly, her voice warm and loving.
"Aao mama ke paas…"
Fatima looked at her mother.
She hesitated.
Her little fingers curled and uncurled as if debating with herself.
Kulsoom aunty leaned forward.
"Ja beta… mama bula rahi hai."
Rimsha smiled encouragingly.
"Bas thora sa… bas thora sa…"
Fatima lifted her foot again.
One step.
Then another.
She wobbled but didn't stop.
Rimsha clapped softly.
"Shabash! Shabash!"
Fatima's lips curved into a wide smile as if she understood the praise.
She took two more steps.
Then, with a small laugh, she almost jumped into Rimsha's arms.
Rimsha caught her and hugged her tightly, laughing and crying at the same time.
"Tum chal li… tum sach mein chal li," she whispered.
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Scene Six
A Moment to Remember
Kulsoom aunty wiped her eyes with the edge of her dupatta.
"Yeh pal… zindagi bhar yaad rehta hai," she said softly.
"Imran ka pehla qadam… aur ab Fatima ka."
Rimsha nodded, her eyes shining.
She looked at her phone screen, still recording.
"Imran ko abhi bhejti hoon," she said, smiling through tears.
"Usse pata hona chahiye ke uski beti ne kya kar diya."
Fatima rested her head on Rimsha's shoulder, tired but happy, sucking on her thumb.
Rimsha kissed her forehead gently.
"Tumne aaj sabka dil jeet liya hai, meri jaan."
The TV continued playing in the background, forgotten.
In that quiet lounge, surrounded by love, laughter, and a few happy tears, Fatima's first steps became more than just steps—they became a memory carved forever into the hearts of those who witnessed them.
And life, once again, moved forward—one small step at a time.