Scene 1: Early Morning, Home in Islamabad
The azan of Fajr had just faded into the quiet Islamabad morning when Rimsha opened her eyes. Six months. The thought came to her mind before anything else. Six months pregnant. Her hand instinctively moved to her belly, resting there gently, as if seeking reassurance from the life growing inside her.
She breathed in slowly and tried to sit up, but a dull ache in her lower back reminded her that her body was no longer the same. Pregnancy had changed her rhythms—her sleep, her strength, even her patience. She sat quietly for a few moments, whispering, "Alhamdulillah," before getting out of bed.
Imran was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, tying his watch. He turned when he sensed her movement.
"Don't rush," he said softly. "Doctor ne kaha tha, araam se."
Rimsha smiled faintly. "Main theek hoon. Bas thori si stiffness hoti hai subha."
Imran watched her carefully, the way he had learned to do over the last few weeks. Every movement of hers seemed precious now, fragile. He nodded but said nothing, helping her walk toward the washroom.
Outside, Kulsoom aunty's voice drifted from the prayer mat. She was reciting Surah Rahman, her voice slow and steady, filling the house with calm. Rimsha paused for a second, listening. Her heart softened.
Scene 2: The Hospital – Ultrasound Room
The hospital corridor smelled of disinfectant and quiet anxiety. Rimsha sat on the wheelchair Imran insisted on, though she could walk on her own. He pushed her carefully, his hand firm yet gentle.
"I can walk, Imran," she said again, almost amused.
"I know," he replied. "Lekin main apni zimmedari poori kar raha hoon."
Inside the ultrasound room, the lights were dim. The female doctor greeted them warmly and gestured for Rimsha to lie down.
"Six months now?" the doctor asked, preparing the machine.
"Yes," Rimsha replied, her voice suddenly tight.
The cold gel touched her skin, and for a few seconds there was only the soft hum of the machine. Imran leaned closer, his breath held without realizing it.
Then it came.
Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
The heartbeat filled the room, loud and clear.
Rimsha's eyes widened. Tears spilled instantly, uninvited. Her hand flew to her mouth as her body shook with emotion.
"That's a very strong heartbeat," the doctor said with a reassuring smile. "Baby is healthy, mashallah."
Imran felt something crack inside his chest. He had heard the heartbeat before, but today it felt different—stronger, louder, more real. His eyes filled too, though he tried to blink it away.
"That's… that's my child," he whispered.
Rimsha turned her head toward him, tears streaming freely. "Hamara."
The doctor continued explaining measurements, fluid levels, growth charts. Rimsha listened carefully, asking questions between breaths.
"Doctor, koi risk?" she asked quietly.
The doctor's tone softened. "Abhi sab theek hai, lekin next trimester mein rest zyada zaroori hoga. Thora pressure aur swelling ho sakti hai. Stress kam rakhein."
Imran nodded firmly. "She will rest. Main sab manage kar lunga."
Rimsha closed her eyes for a moment, listening again to the heartbeat. It felt like a promise.
Scene 3: Car Ride Back Home – Imran's Perspective
On the way back, Rimsha leaned her head against the seat, exhausted but peaceful. Imran drove slowly, his mind replaying the sound again and again.
Thump-thump.
A strange fear crept into his chest. Responsibility. What if something went wrong? What if he failed her?
He glanced at Rimsha. Her face looked softer now, rounder, glowing with motherhood. He remembered the early days of Amana Superstore, when stress was about sales and suppliers. Now, the stakes felt infinite.
"Rimsha," he said suddenly.
"Hm?"
"Tum strong ho," he said. "Lekin ab tumhein strong ban'na nahi hai. Ab tumhein safe rehna hai."
She smiled without opening her eyes. "Aur tumhein?"
"Main dono banunga," he replied. "Strong bhi, safe bhi."
Scene 4: Morning Work Hours – Rimsha at Home Office
After breakfast, Rimsha settled into her small home office. The laptop opened, files neatly arranged. She had limited herself to morning hours only, as advised.
The video call connected. The familiar faces of Amana Mall's team appeared on screen.
"Assalamualaikum," she greeted.
"Walikum salam, madam," they replied warmly.
As they discussed reports and tenant issues, Rimsha felt a familiar pull in her chest. She missed the mall—the energy, the movement, the smell of fresh floors and new shops. From home, everything felt distant.
Her back started to ache midway through the meeting. She shifted in her chair, placing a cushion behind her.
"I think we can delay this decision till next week," she said calmly. "No urgency."
She ended the call earlier than planned and closed the laptop slowly. A wave of sadness washed over her.
Am I still needed there? she wondered.
Her hand moved to her belly again. The baby kicked softly, as if answering her doubt.
"Yes," she whispered. "Yahan meri sab se badi zimmedari hai."
Scene 5: Fatima's Overprotective Love
Fatima entered the room quietly, carrying her small water bottle with both hands.
"Mama, paani," she said seriously.
Rimsha smiled. "Thank you, meri jaan."
Fatima climbed onto the chair beside her, inspecting her mother closely. "Mama, aaj office nahi jana."
Rimsha chuckled. "Mama office se hi kaam kar rahi hai."
Fatima frowned, thinking hard. "Doctor aunty ne bola hai, mama rest karein."
Imran, passing by, stopped and laughed softly. "Lagta hai ghar mein aik aur doctor aa gayi hai."
Fatima crossed her arms. "Baba, mama ka khayal rakhna chahiye."
Rimsha felt tears prick her eyes again. Her little girl had grown so much without her realizing it.
Scene 6: Afternoon – Kulsoom Aunty's Duas
After Zuhr, Kulsoom aunty called Rimsha to sit beside her on the prayer mat.
"Aaj aik choti si dua yaad kar lo," she said gently. "Jab bhi dar lage, jab bhi thakan ho."
She held Rimsha's hands and recited slowly, "Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahla."
Rimsha repeated after her, voice trembling.
Kulsoom aunty placed her hand on Rimsha's head. "Ye dua mushkil ko asaan kar deti hai. Tumhari delivery bhi, tumhara safar bhi."
Fatima sat quietly beside them, listening.
"Dadi, main bhi seekh sakti hoon?" she asked.
Kulsoom aunty smiled. "Bilkul. Tum apne bhai ya behen ke liye roz parhna."
Fatima nodded solemnly, as if accepting a sacred duty.
Scene 7: Evening Reflections
As evening settled, Rimsha sat near the window, watching the city lights glow. She missed the mall. She missed walking through its halls. But she also felt something deeper—gratitude.
Imran sat beside her, silently handing her a cup of warm milk.
"Dil udaas hai?" he asked softly.
"Thora sa," she admitted. "Lekin dil bharosa bhi karta hai."
He squeezed her hand. "Tumhara dil ghalat nahi hota."
Rimsha closed her eyes, listening to the echoes of the heartbeat still alive in her memory. Thump-thump. Strong. Steady.
She whispered a quiet dua, not for success or strength—but for peace.
And in that moment, surrounded by family, faith, and love, she felt it settle gently into her heart.