Scene One: Early Morning at Home – A Changed Routine
The early morning light filtered softly through the curtains of the bedroom. Islamabad was waking up slowly, but inside the house, life had already begun to adjust itself around a new reality.
Rimsha opened her eyes gently. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. It had been only a few weeks since the news, yet everything already felt different. Not difficult—just more meaningful.
Imran stirred beside her.
"Rimsha… are you awake?" he asked softly.
"Yes," she replied with a faint smile. "I was just… thinking."
Imran turned toward her, concern already present in his eyes.
"Did you sleep well? Any nausea?"
"A little in the early morning, but it passed," she said honestly.
Imran sat up at once.
"You shouldn't rush today. I'll call the office and delay the meeting."
Rimsha placed her hand on his arm.
"Imran, no. We discussed this. I'm pregnant, not fragile. I'll manage—carefully."
Imran sighed, smiling slightly.
"I know. But allow me to worry a little. That's my right as a husband."
She smiled warmly.
"And my duty is to remind you that I'm strong."
From the hallway came the sound of tiny footsteps.
"Ammi… Ammi…" Fatima's sleepy voice echoed.
Before Rimsha could get up, Imran was already on his feet.
"I'll bring her."
Moments later, Fatima climbed onto the bed, cuddling close to Rimsha's side.
"Ammi," she said seriously, placing her tiny hand on Rimsha's stomach, "baby sleeping?"
Rimsha's eyes softened.
"Yes, baby sleeping."
Fatima nodded proudly.
"I'll protect baby."
Imran chuckled quietly.
"Looks like we already have a bodyguard."
---
Scene Two: Kitchen – Kulsoom Aunty's Silent Vigil
In the kitchen, Kulsoom aunty was already busy. She had woken up before Fajr, a habit she never lost. A pot of milk simmered gently, and she was cutting fruits with care.
When Rimsha entered the kitchen, Kulsoom aunty turned sharply.
"Why are you here?" she asked firmly.
"I told you, I'll handle breakfast."
Rimsha smiled.
"Ami, I just came to make tea."
Kulsoom aunty placed the knife down.
"No. Sit."
She pointed to the chair.
Rimsha obeyed.
Kulsoom aunty poured warm milk into a glass and handed it to her.
"Drink this first."
Rimsha hesitated.
"But—"
"No buts," Kulsoom aunty said, her voice gentle but commanding.
"When I was pregnant with Imran, your Abba—Allah maghfirat kare—used to scold me if I skipped even one glass."
Rimsha smiled faintly and drank.
Kulsoom aunty watched her closely, as if memorizing every breath.
"From today," she continued, "you will eat on time, rest on time, and listen to me."
Rimsha nodded respectfully.
"Yes, Ami."
As Rimsha moved toward the living room, Kulsoom aunty picked up her phone and saved a reminder.
8:30 AM – Call Rimsha: Breakfast
1:00 PM – Call Rimsha: Lunch
5:00 PM – Call Rimsha: Rest
She looked at the phone and whispered to herself,
"This time, I won't fail anyone."
---
Scene Three: Amana Mall – Strategy with Care
At Amana Mall, the atmosphere remained energetic. The mall had settled into a rhythm after its grand opening, but challenges never disappeared—they only changed shape.
Imran stood in the conference room with department heads.
"Security upgrades?" he asked.
"All systems stable," the manager replied. "No incidents."
"Good," Imran said. "Preventive maintenance must continue. No shortcuts."
Rimsha joined via video call from the office lounge.
"I've reviewed the tenant feedback," she said calmly. "Customer flow is excellent, but we need clearer signage on the third floor."
The marketing head nodded.
"We'll revise it today."
Imran glanced at the screen.
"Rimsha, are you sitting comfortably?"
She smiled knowingly.
"Yes, Imran. Focus."
The team exchanged subtle smiles. They had seen many leaders, but never a partnership like this—balanced, respectful, and strong.
After the meeting, Imran called Rimsha privately.
"You did well today," he said.
"But don't stay longer than two hours."
"I'm leaving soon," she replied. "Ami already called twice."
Imran laughed softly.
"Good. She's guarding you better than any security team."
---
Scene Four: Home – Fatima Takes Her Role Seriously
Back at home, Fatima followed Kulsoom aunty everywhere.
"Ami," Fatima asked, "Ammi can't lift things?"
Kulsoom aunty smiled.
"No, beta. You'll help her now."
Fatima nodded seriously.
When Rimsha tried to pick up a small basket of laundry, Fatima rushed forward.
"No Ammi! Baby inside!"
Rimsha laughed gently.
"Okay, okay. You win."
Fatima looked proud.
"I'm big sister."
Kulsoom aunty watched from the doorway, her eyes moist.
She whispered softly,
"Life goes on… in the most beautiful ways."
---
Scene Five: Maryam's Reaction – Sisterly Joy
That evening, Maryam arrived with DSP Haroon and the boys.
The moment Rimsha opened the door, Maryam hugged her tightly.
"Rimsha!" she exclaimed.
"Why didn't you call me sooner?"
Rimsha smiled apologetically.
"I wanted to be sure first."
Maryam held her face gently.
"Allah is so kind. Another blessing for our family."
Ubaid looked up curiously.
"Khala, Fatima said there's a baby."
Rimsha nodded.
"Yes."
Irfan clapped his hands.
"Then we'll have another cousin!"
Maryam wiped her eyes discreetly.
Later, as the sisters sat alone, Maryam spoke softly.
"You've carried so much responsibility… the mall, the house, Ami… and now this."
Rimsha took her hand.
"I'm not alone. I have Imran. I have you."
Maryam smiled.
"And faith. Don't forget that."
---
Scene Six: Night – Care and Quiet Promises
That night, the house was calm.
Kulsoom aunty called from her room.
"Rimsha, did you eat the fruit?"
"Yes, Ami."
"Drink water?"
"Yes."
"Any dizziness?"
"No."
"Good," she said, finally satisfied.
In the bedroom, Imran helped Rimsha settle comfortably.
"You didn't overdo it today?" he asked.
"No," she replied honestly. "I listened."
Imran sat beside her, resting his hand gently on her stomach.
"This time," he said quietly, "I want to be present for every moment."
Rimsha looked at him.
"You already are."
Outside, the city lights shimmered. Inside, a family moved forward—carefully, lovingly, and with strength shaped by faith, responsibility, and hope.
---
Closing Scene: A Balanced Tomorrow
As Rimsha drifted toward sleep, she heard Fatima whisper from her room.
"Baby… sleep good."
Rimsha smiled, tears slipping quietly down her cheeks—not from fear, but from gratitude.
Life was demanding.
Work was challenging.
But love, care, and balance were guiding them forward.
And this time, they were ready.
---
End of Chapter