Scene One: Early Morning – Preparing for the Hospital
Morning sunlight gently entered the bedroom, spreading a soft glow over the neatly arranged room. Rimsha sat on the edge of the bed, slowly tying her scarf, her movements careful and deliberate.
Imran stood near the cupboard, watching her more than the clothes he was pretending to arrange.
"Rimsha," he said softly, "doctor ke paas ja kar seedha ghar aa jana. No office today."
Rimsha smiled faintly.
"I already told you, I won't go to the mall. Just the hospital."
Imran nodded, still not fully satisfied.
"Good. First checkup is important."
From the doorway, Kulsoom aunty appeared, holding a small tasbeeh in her hand.
"Beta," she said, "nashte se pehle yeh khajoor kha lo."
Rimsha accepted it respectfully.
"Ji, Ami."
Kulsoom aunty looked at Imran.
"Tum bhi saath jao. Akele mat chhorna."
Imran nodded immediately.
"Of course, Ami."
Fatima peeked from behind the door, rubbing her eyes.
"Ammi doctor?" she asked sleepily.
"Yes, meri jaan," Rimsha replied, kneeling slightly. "Doctor baby ko dekhein ge."
Fatima's eyes widened.
"Baby picture?"
Rimsha laughed softly.
"InshaAllah."
---
Scene Two: Hospital – First Pregnancy Checkup
The hospital corridor was calm, filled with quiet footsteps and hushed conversations. Rimsha sat beside Imran, her hands folded nervously.
Imran noticed.
"Dar lag raha hai?"
She shook her head.
"Nahi… bas yaad aa raha hai jab Fatima ke waqt aayi thi."
The doctor called her name.
Inside the room, the female gynecologist smiled warmly.
"Congratulations," she said. "Second pregnancy, right?"
"Yes," Rimsha replied.
The examination was gentle and thorough. Imran sat quietly, holding Rimsha's bag, his heart pounding louder than the machine.
"Everything looks fine," the doctor said reassuringly.
"But you need rest. No stress, no long working hours."
She looked directly at Imran.
"And emotional support is very important."
Imran nodded seriously.
"She'll rest. I promise."
The doctor handed Rimsha a list.
"Vitamins, light walks, healthy food—and please avoid unnecessary workload."
As they stepped out, Rimsha exhaled deeply.
"Alhamdulillah," she whispered.
Imran smiled.
"See? Allah khair karta hai."
---
Scene Three: Amana Mall – Temporary Leadership Shift
Later that afternoon, Imran stood in the main office of Amana Mall, addressing senior staff.
"For the next few weeks," he said firmly, "day-to-day approvals will go through Assistant Manager Salman."
Salman looked surprised.
"Sir?"
"I'll still be present," Imran clarified, "but operational pressure will be reduced."
One of the managers asked carefully,
"And Madam Rimsha?"
Imran smiled gently.
"She will advise remotely. Family comes first."
There was a quiet respect in the room. No one questioned the decision.
After the meeting, Imran called Rimsha.
"Done," he said. "Temporary structure set."
Rimsha paused.
"You didn't have to change everything."
"I had to," he replied calmly. "Because leadership also means knowing when to step back."
Rimsha felt a wave of gratitude.
"Thank you… for choosing us."
---
Scene Four: Home – Kulsoom Aunty's Firm Advice
Back at home, Kulsoom aunty was waiting.
"Doctor ne kya kaha?" she asked immediately.
Rimsha explained everything honestly.
Kulsoom aunty listened carefully, then said firmly,
"Ab tum zyada ghar par raho gi."
Rimsha opened her mouth to speak, but Kulsoom aunty raised her hand gently.
"Beta, maine bhi maa banna dekha hai… mehsoos kiya hai. Yeh waqt sirf apna khayal rakhne ka hota hai."
Imran supported her.
"Rimsha, please. Ami theek keh rahi hain."
Rimsha lowered her gaze respectfully.
"Ji, Ami. Main koshish karungi."
Kulsoom aunty smiled softly and placed her hand on Rimsha's head.
"Allah tumhein asaaniyan de."
---
Scene Five: Fatima and the Unborn Bond
That evening, Fatima sat beside Rimsha on the sofa, holding her favorite soft toy.
"Ammi," she said thoughtfully, "baby ko kahani sunao?"
Rimsha smiled.
"Baby sun sakta hai?"
Fatima nodded confidently.
"Haan. Baby mera sunta hai."
She leaned closer to Rimsha's stomach.
"Baby," she whispered, "main Fatima hoon. Tum mere ho."
Rimsha's eyes filled with tears.
Later, when Fatima placed her toy gently beside Rimsha's pillow, she said,
"Baby ke liye."
Imran watched quietly from the doorway, his heart overwhelmed.
---
Scene Six: Evening Reflections – Sisterly Support
Maryam called in the evening.
"Doctor ka kya kaha?" she asked immediately.
"Rest," Rimsha replied. "Aur kam kaam."
Maryam smiled knowingly.
"Finally, someone forced you to slow down."
They laughed softly.
"Rimsha," Maryam added seriously, "agar kabhi thakan mehsoos ho, mujhe call karna. Main aa jaungi."
Rimsha's voice softened.
"I know. Thank you."
---
Scene Seven: Night – Acceptance and Calm
At night, Rimsha lay in bed, her hand resting gently on her stomach. Imran sat beside her, checking emails quietly.
"Imran," she said softly, "agar main kuch din mall se door rahi… sab theek rahe ga?"
He looked at her firmly.
"Mall chal sakta hai. Tumhare baghair main nahi."
She smiled, tears shining in her eyes.
From the next room, Kulsoom aunty's voice came during dua.
"Ya Allah… meri bahu aur us ke bachay ko apni hifazat mein rakhna."
Rimsha closed her eyes, feeling protected—by family, faith, and love.
---
Closing Scene: A Slower, Safer Path
Life had slowed down, but it hadn't weakened.
Responsibilities were shared.
Love was multiplied.
And a new life was growing—carefully guarded by everyone.
Rimsha whispered softly,
"Bismillah… hum tayyar hain."
---
End of Chapter