Scene One: The Hospital Corridor – A Moment That Changed Everything
The hospital corridor smelled faintly of antiseptic and fresh flowers. Morning light slipped through the tall glass windows, casting pale reflections on the polished floor. Rimsha sat on the waiting chair, her hands resting gently over her stomach. She looked calm from the outside, but inside her heart was beating faster than usual.
Imran stood beside her, holding a file of reports. He kept glancing at her face, trying to read her emotions.
"Are you feeling alright?" he asked softly.
Rimsha nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yes. Just… a little nervous."
Kulsoom aunty adjusted her dupatta and sat closer to Rimsha. "This nervousness is natural, beta. Today is a big day."
Fatima sat quietly on the other chair, her feet swinging above the floor. She looked around curiously, then leaned toward her mother.
"Ammi, will the doctor show us the baby today?" she whispered.
Rimsha brushed Fatima's hair gently. "Yes, InshaAllah."
The nurse opened the door. "Mrs. Rimsha?"
Imran helped Rimsha stand up. "Bismillah," Kulsoom aunty murmured as they entered the ultrasound room together.
The room was dim, except for the soft glow of the screen. The doctor greeted them warmly and began preparing the machine.
"Relax," the doctor said kindly. "We'll hear the heartbeat today."
Rimsha held Imran's hand tightly. The machine hummed softly, and for a few seconds, there was only silence.
Then—
A rhythmic sound filled the room.
Thump-thump.
Thump-thump.
Rimsha's eyes widened. Tears instantly welled up.
"There it is," the doctor smiled. "A strong, healthy heartbeat."
Imran's throat tightened. He looked at the screen, then at Rimsha, whose tears were now rolling freely.
"I can hear it," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Kulsoom aunty raised her hands instinctively. "Alhamdulillah… Alhamdulillah."
Fatima leaned forward, eyes shining. "That's my baby?"
"Yes," the doctor chuckled. "Your little brother or sister."
Fatima placed her hand on Rimsha's arm. "I'll protect the baby, Ammi. Always."
Rimsha pulled her close, overwhelmed with love. "I know you will."
---
Scene Two: The Car Ride Home – A Child's Growing Heart
The drive back home was unusually quiet, yet filled with unspoken happiness. Fatima sat in the back seat, unusually still.
Rimsha turned around. "What are you thinking about, jaan?"
Fatima hesitated. "Ammi… what if someone hurts the baby?"
Imran glanced at Rimsha through the rearview mirror.
"No one will hurt the baby," Rimsha said gently. "Allah is watching over us."
Fatima frowned. "But you shouldn't go out too much. And you shouldn't work too much either."
Rimsha smiled softly. "You sound like dadi."
Kulsoom aunty nodded proudly. "She has learned well."
Fatima sat back, satisfied, as if she had taken on a new responsibility.
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Scene Three: Morning Work Hours – Balancing Strength and Care
The next morning, Rimsha sat at her home study desk, laptop open. Sunlight streamed through the window. It was her new routine—working only in the morning hours.
A video call popped up on the screen.
"Good morning, everyone," Rimsha greeted calmly.
The mall's management team appeared in small boxes.
"Ma'am, the weekend footfall reports are ready," one manager said.
"Send them over," Rimsha replied. "We'll review briefly."
Imran stood near the door, observing quietly.
After thirty minutes, Rimsha closed the laptop and leaned back.
"That's enough for today," Imran said gently.
She nodded. "I know. I already miss being there, but…" She placed her hand on her stomach.
Imran smiled. "This is more important right now."
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Scene Four: Fatima's Overprotective Love
Later that afternoon, Rimsha lay on the sofa, resting. Fatima tiptoed into the room with a glass of milk.
"Ammi, dadi said you must drink this."
Rimsha laughed softly. "Did she?"
Fatima nodded seriously. "And you must sleep. And not argue. And not get sad."
Rimsha pulled her closer. "You're becoming very strict."
Fatima whispered, "Because I'm the elder sister now."
Rimsha kissed her forehead, her heart swelling with emotion.
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Scene Five: Kulsoom Aunty's Lessons – Duas for Life
That evening, Kulsoom aunty sat with Fatima on the prayer mat.
"Come, beta," she said softly. "I'll teach you a small dua."
Fatima folded her hands obediently.
"Repeat after me," Kulsoom aunty said slowly. "Rabbi hab li min ladunka zurriyyatan tayyibah."
Fatima repeated carefully, stumbling over a word.
Kulsoom aunty smiled. "It means asking Allah for good children."
Fatima looked thoughtful. "Can I make dua for Ammi too?"
"Of course."
Fatima closed her eyes tightly. "Allah, please keep my Ammi and baby safe. And make me a good sister."
Kulsoom aunty's eyes filled with tears.
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Scene Six: Night Reflections – Quiet Strength
Late at night, Rimsha sat by the window, the city lights glowing softly in the distance. Imran joined her, placing a shawl over her shoulders.
"You're thinking again," he said gently.
She nodded. "I miss the mall. I miss being active."
Imran held her hand. "This phase will pass. And when it does, you'll return stronger."
Rimsha smiled faintly. "I heard the heartbeat today. That sound… it gave me strength."
Imran squeezed her hand. "It gave all of us strength."
From the other room, they heard Fatima's sleepy voice calling, "Ammi?"
Rimsha stood carefully. "Coming."
As she walked toward her daughter, her hand rested protectively over her stomach. The heartbeat echoed in her memory—steady, hopeful, full of promise.
And in that quiet night, surrounded by love, faith, and patience, Rimsha felt ready to face whatever came next.
End of Chapter