Scene One: Morning Light – A New Way of Working
The morning sunlight entered the living room softly, filtered through sheer curtains that fluttered slightly with the breeze. The house was awake, yet calm—no rush, no tension, only a quiet sense of adjustment.
Rimsha sat on the sofa, a cushion carefully placed behind her back. Her laptop rested on the coffee table, camera angled neatly. She adjusted her dupatta, took a deep breath, and clicked "Join Meeting."
One by one, familiar faces appeared on the screen.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, everyone," Rimsha said gently.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Madam," several voices replied together.
Imran's assistant, Salman, spoke first.
"Madam, we've prepared the weekly update as discussed."
"Thank you, Salman," Rimsha replied calmly. "Please start."
As the meeting progressed, Rimsha listened carefully—inventory flow, tenant feedback, security checks. She spoke less than usual but with clarity and focus.
"I'd suggest adjusting the weekend staffing schedule," she said.
"Customer flow increases after Maghrib. We should be prepared."
Salman nodded.
"Understood, Madam. I'll implement it."
From the dining table, Imran observed quietly while sipping his tea. There was pride in his eyes—not because she was working, but because she knew how to work without exhausting herself.
When the meeting ended, Rimsha leaned back slightly, closing her eyes for a moment.
Imran walked over.
"How was it?"
"Productive," she replied. "But I'll limit meetings to one or two a day."
Imran smiled.
"Good. Doctor's orders."
Rimsha smiled back.
"Mother-in-law's orders, too."
From the hallway, Kulsoom aunty's voice came firmly.
"And I'm listening."
They both laughed softly.
---
Scene Two: Kitchen – Kulsoom Aunty's Quiet Worship
After breakfast, the house settled into silence. Fatima had gone to school, Imran had left for the mall, and Rimsha rested on the couch, a light blanket over her legs.
In her room, Kulsoom aunty spread her prayer mat carefully. She stood for Nafl, her movements slow but steady. Her lips moved in whispered supplication.
"Ya Allah… jaise tu ne pehle karam kiya, waise hi is baar bhi asaani ata farma."
After prayer, she sat with her tasbeeh, fingers moving rhythmically.
Her thoughts wandered—back to her own pregnancies, to the fear and hope that lived together in a mother's heart. She remembered Hameed sahib's gentle concern, how he would bring fruit home and remind her to rest.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Tum hotay," she whispered, "tum bhi dua kartay."
She wiped her face quickly and stood up.
In the kitchen, she prepared Rimsha's mid-morning snack—apple slices, soaked almonds, warm water.
She walked to the living room.
"Beta," she said softly, "yeh kha lo."
Rimsha sat up immediately.
"Ami, aap har ghante kuch na kuch le aati hain."
Kulsoom aunty smiled faintly.
"Maa ka kaam hai yaad dilana."
Rimsha took the plate gratefully.
"Allah aap ko sehat de."
Kulsoom aunty placed her hand gently on Rimsha's head.
"Ameen."
---
Scene Three: School Playground – Fatima's Big News
At City School, recess had begun. Fatima sat with her friends near the slide, holding her lunchbox proudly.
One of the girls asked,
"Fatima, tum itni khush kyun ho?"
Fatima leaned forward, lowering her voice dramatically.
"Meri Ammi ke pait mein baby hai."
The group gasped.
"A real baby?" a boy asked.
"Haan," Fatima nodded confidently. "Mera baby."
Another girl clapped.
"Mubarak ho!"
Fatima beamed.
"My Dadi dua karti hain," she added seriously.
"And baby mujhe sunta hai."
Her teacher, Miss Sara, overheard and smiled warmly.
"Fatima," she said gently, "that's wonderful news."
Fatima looked up.
"Miss, main baby ko school dikhaoon gi jab wo aayega."
Miss Sara laughed softly.
"InshaAllah."
During art class, Fatima drew a picture—herself holding a small stick figure with a big smile. Above it, she scribbled something that looked like a heart.
When the teacher asked,
"Who is this?"
Fatima replied confidently,
"My baby."
---
Scene Four: Afternoon – Remote Decisions
Back home, Rimsha joined another brief video call—this time with the marketing team.
"I won't approve any loud campaigns right now," she said calmly.
"Let's keep the mall atmosphere family-friendly."
One manager hesitated.
"But Madam, competitors—"
"Will do what they want," Rimsha interrupted gently.
"We'll do what's right."
The call ended sooner than expected.
Rimsha closed the laptop and rested her hands on her stomach.
She whispered softly,
"Tum bhi sun rahe ho?"
The house was silent, yet full.
---
Scene Five: Fatima Returns Home – Stories and Smiles
The front door opened in the afternoon.
"Ammi!" Fatima's voice echoed.
Rimsha smiled instantly.
Fatima ran toward her, bag swinging wildly.
"Ammi, main sab ko baby ke baare mein bataya!"
Rimsha laughed softly.
"Sab ko?"
"Haan!" Fatima said proudly.
"Miss ko bhi."
Kulsoom aunty came forward.
"Phir kya kaha Miss ne?"
"Unhon ne kaha InshaAllah," Fatima replied seriously.
Kulsoom aunty smiled warmly.
"Bas, phir theek hai."
Fatima placed her hand gently on Rimsha's stomach.
"Baby, main school gayi thi."
Rimsha felt her heart swell.
---
Scene Six: Evening – A Husband's Check-In
Imran called from the mall.
"Tum theek ho?" he asked immediately.
"Yes," Rimsha replied. "Meetings khatam ho gayi hain."
"And rest?"
"I'm resting."
Kulsoom aunty took the phone.
"Tum fikar na karo," she told Imran.
"Main hoon yahan."
Imran smiled on the other end.
"Mujhe pata hai, Ami."
---
Scene Seven: Night – Dua and Trust
That night, after dinner, Kulsoom aunty gathered everyone briefly.
"Chalo," she said softly, "dua karte hain."
They sat together—Rimsha, Imran, Fatima.
Kulsoom aunty raised her hands.
"Ya Allah… is ghar ko hamesha apni rehmat mein rakhna.
Is maa ko taqat dena.
Is bachay ko sehat dena."
Fatima whispered,
"Ameen."
Rimsha's eyes filled with tears—not of fear, but of gratitude.
Later, as Rimsha lay down, she reflected on the day.
Work had changed.
Life had slowed.
But love had deepened.
She placed her hand on her stomach and smiled.
"Hum ghar se bhi strong ho sakte hain," she whispered.
Outside, the city lights glowed softly. Inside, a family prepared—patiently, prayerfully—for a new beginning.
---
End of Chapter