Scene One
The Proposal Returns – Bigger Than Before
The glass conference room at Amana Mall reflected the late morning sun. Outside, the mall buzzed with life—customers, staff, laughter, footsteps. Inside, the air was heavier.
Imran and Rimsha sat side by side.
Across from them sat the same two investors who had once walked out disappointed—but today, their folders were thicker, their tone cautious yet hopeful.
One of them cleared his throat.
"Mr. Imran, Mrs. Rimsha… we've reconsidered."
Imran folded his hands.
"Hum sun rahe hain."
The man slid a document forward.
"We are proposing a mall-wide expansion. Parking plaza, rooftop food court, family entertainment zone, and an extension wing for local brands."
Rimsha's eyes scanned the pages.
"And ownership?" she asked calmly.
"Joint venture," the second investor replied. "But Amana Mall retains identity and leadership."
Imran glanced at Rimsha.
She looked up.
"Hum faisla jaldi nahi karte," she said firmly. "Expansion sirf imaarat ka nahi hota—zimmedari ka bhi hota hai."
The men nodded.
"We understand. We're ready to adapt."
After they left, Imran leaned back.
"Tum kya soch rahi ho?" he asked.
Rimsha closed the file slowly.
"Yeh moka bhi hai… aur imtihan bhi."
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Scene Two
Resistance – Old Minds, New Woman
That afternoon, Rimsha attended a business circle meeting—older men, traditional traders, familiar skepticism.
One senior businessman chuckled lightly.
"Begum sahibah, ghar sambhalna aur mall sambhalna… dono mushkil hota hai."
A few men smiled.
Rimsha didn't.
"Main ghar bhi sambhalti hoon," she replied steadily, "aur mall bhi. Mushkil ka faisla Allah karta hai, log nahi."
Another man leaned forward.
"Expansion risky hai. Aap emotional ho rahi hain."
Rimsha met his gaze.
"Emotion bina zimmedari ke hoti hai," she said. "Aur zimmedari bina himmat ke. Mujhe dono ka ilm hai."
Silence followed.
Some resisted.
Some listened.
And some, quietly, respected.
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Scene Three
Little Leader – Fatima Finds Her Voice
At City School, Fatima stood near the activity table.
The teacher announced,
"Today, Fatima will help distribute materials."
Fatima's eyes widened.
She took the box carefully.
"Line bana lo," she said softly, then louder, "please."
A boy tried to cut ahead.
Fatima stopped him.
"Sab ki bari hoti hai."
The teacher watched, smiling.
Later, Miss Alina called Rimsha.
"Fatima has leadership qualities," she said. "She's gentle, but firm."
Rimsha smiled to herself.
That evening, Fatima proudly declared at home,
"Mama, main leader bani thi!"
Imran laughed.
"Bilkul apni maa par gayi ho."
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Scene Four
Weekend Gathering – Stories After Dinner
Saturday night.
Both families gathered at Rimsha's home.
The dining table buzzed with chatter. After dinner, cushions were spread in the TV lounge. Kids gathered eagerly.
"Dadi," Ubaid asked, "Nani kaisi thi?"
Kulsoom aunty looked at Maryam and Rimsha.
Then she smiled—a rare, soft smile.
"Tumhari Nani… bohat hansmukh thi."
She paused.
"Samina meri chhoti behn thi. Hum dono aik jaise lagte thay—lekin woh zyada shokhi thi."
Rimsha leaned closer.
"Hum Eid se pehle kapray khud silte thay," Kulsoom continued. "Aur phir poori raat baatein."
Maryam's eyes glistened.
"Ammi kehti thin," Maryam said softly, "'Kulsoom meri hifazat karti hai.'"
Kulsoom aunty swallowed.
"Main ne usay bohat kam bataya ke main bhi usay chahtee thi."
She took out a small cloth pouch.
Inside was a simple bangle.
"Yeh uska tha," she said. "Aaj main tum sab ke saath yaad share karna chahti thi."
Kids listened silently.
Fatima crawled into Kulsoom aunty's lap.
"Nani pyari thi?" she asked.
Kulsoom aunty kissed her head.
"Bohat."
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Scene Five
Symbolic Closure – A Candle and Dua
Imran lit a small candle.
"We'll make dua together," he said.
All stood.
Kulsoom aunty raised her hands.
"Ya Allah… meri behn Samina ko rehmat mein rakh. Aur mujhe shukar aur sabr de."
Tears rolled—but no one wiped them away.
That night, grief didn't feel heavy.
It felt shared.
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Scene Six
Horizons Ahead
Later, Rimsha stood on the balcony, phone in hand.
She called Imran, who was downstairs checking reports.
"Main tayyar hoon," she said. "Expansion ke liye… lekin apni sharton par."
Imran smiled on the other end.
"Phir hum aage badhenge."
Inside, children laughed.
Memories rested peacefully.
And Amana Mall—rooted deeply—looked toward wider horizons.
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End of Chapter