Scene 1: Before Sunrise – Faith in Silence
The hospital room was wrapped in a soft stillness before dawn. The lights were dim, the corridor outside quiet except for the distant echo of a nurse's footsteps. On the sofa near the window, Kulsoom aunty opened her eyes gently, as if her body itself knew it was time.
She sat up slowly, careful not to make any sound. Rimsha slept peacefully on the bed, her face relaxed for the first time in days. Beside her, little Ayesha lay curled in her cot, her tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Kulsoom aunty looked at them for a long moment. A mother and a newborn. Two generations tied together by pain, patience, and prayer.
She quietly spread her dupatta, stood near the window, and began her Fajr prayer. Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet every word carried the weight of gratitude.
"Ya Allah," she murmured in sujood, "tu ne izzat ke saath beti ko maa banaya… tu ne hifazat farmai… ab aage bhi apni rehmat mein rakhna."
After completing her prayer, she sat back on the sofa, picked up her tasbeeh, and began zikr. The beads moved steadily through her fingers as the sky outside shifted slowly from deep blue to soft grey.
SubhanAllah… Alhamdulillah… Allahu Akbar…
Each repetition grounded her heart. Each breath felt lighter than the one before.
By the time the first golden light of sunrise touched the window, Kulsoom aunty felt a deep calm settle inside her. Today, they would go home.
Scene 2: A Gentle Morning Awakening
Around 8 a.m., Rimsha stirred. She blinked slowly, adjusting to the light, then instinctively turned her head toward the cot.
Ayesha slept soundly.
Rimsha smiled, a soft, tired smile. Her body still ached, but the pain felt different now—less frightening, more meaningful. She carefully sat up, her movements slow and mindful, just as the doctor had instructed.
Kulsoom aunty noticed immediately. "Uth gayi ho?" she asked softly, standing up.
"Haan, Ammi," Rimsha replied. "Fajr parh li thi?"
Kulsoom aunty nodded. "Aur tum dono ke liye bohot duaen bhi."
Rimsha's eyes moistened. "Allah aap ko sehat de."
Kulsoom aunty helped her walk to the washroom, reminding her gently, "Aaram se… koi jaldi nahi."
After freshening up, Rimsha returned to the bed, feeling lighter, cleaner, and emotionally ready for the day ahead.
"Imran aur Fatima abhi so rahe hain," Kulsoom aunty said. "Main ja ke utha deti hoon."
Scene 3: Waking the Other Room
Kulsoom aunty stepped into the other private room quietly. Imran lay asleep on the bed, one arm protectively curved around Fatima, who slept curled against him.
For a moment, she just stood there, watching. A father holding his daughter, exhausted but present. Life had tested this family deeply, yet here they were—still together.
"Imran," she said gently. "Beta… subah ho gayi hai."
Imran stirred, then opened his eyes. "Ammi?" He sat up quickly. "Sab theek hai?"
"Sab bilkul theek hai," she assured him. "Doctor aaj discharge kar rahi hain."
Imran smiled instantly. "Alhamdulillah."
Fatima rubbed her eyes. "Nani… hum ghar ja rahe hain?"
"Haan meri jaan," Kulsoom aunty smiled. "Aaj hi."
Fatima sat up excitedly. "Meri behan bhi?"
Kulsoom aunty laughed softly. "Haan, woh bhi."
Imran got up. "Main fresh ho ke nashta le aata hoon sab ke liye."
Scene 4: Breakfast Together
Imran returned from the hospital cafeteria carrying trays—parathas, boiled eggs, tea, milk, and juice. The smell of warm food filled the room, bringing a sense of normal life back with it.
He gently woke Fatima completely, helped her wash her face, and combed her hair.
"Papa," Fatima said seriously, "mujhe Ayesha ke liye doodh ka glass lena hai."
Imran chuckled. "Abhi woh choti hai, tumhara glass tum pi lo."
They all gathered in Rimsha's room, sitting carefully around the small table.
Rimsha took a few bites, mindful of her appetite. Kulsoom aunty kept reminding her, "Thora aur kha lo."
Imran watched her closely, concern never leaving his eyes. "Agar zyada thakan ho toh bata dena."
"I'm fine," Rimsha said quietly. "Bas ghar jaane ka intezar hai."
Fatima finished her breakfast quickly and stood beside the cot. "Ayesha… hum ghar ja rahe hain," she whispered, as if the baby could understand.
Scene 5: Dr Samina's Final Visit
At exactly 10 a.m., Dr Samina entered the room with a file in her hand.
"Good morning," she greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning," everyone replied.
She examined Rimsha carefully, asked about pain levels, dizziness, and appetite. Then she checked Ayesha, smiling with satisfaction.
"Everything looks good," she said. "Recovery is on track."
She then turned to Imran. "Aap mere chamber mein aa jaiye, please."
Imran followed her, his expression serious.
Inside the chamber, Dr Samina spoke clearly and firmly. "Rimsha ko complete rest chahiye. No heavy work, no stress. Medication time par. Agar koi unusual symptom ho—bleeding, fever, severe pain—you come immediately."
Imran nodded attentively. "Main khud dhyaan rakhunga."
She signed the discharge papers and handed them to him. "Congratulations," she said with a warm smile. "Take them home."
Imran felt his throat tighten. "Thank you, doctor."
Scene 6: Going Home
After settling the hospital bill and completing the formalities, the family packed their belongings. Nurses helped prepare Ayesha, wrapping her carefully.
At 12 noon, Imran carried his newborn daughter in his arms as they walked out of the hospital. Rimsha moved slowly beside him, supported gently by Kulsoom aunty.
Outside, the air felt different—freer, warmer.
"Ghar," Rimsha whispered.
"Yes," Imran replied. "Ghar."
Scene 7: Evening at Home – Family Reunites
By evening, the house was filled with warmth again. Maryam arrived with her family, her face glowing with happiness.
She hugged Rimsha carefully. "MashaAllah… tum bohot strong ho."
Maryam leaned over the baby. "Ayesha… meri jaan."
Dinner was simple but joyful. Everyone sat together, sharing laughter, small stories, and quiet prayers of thanks.
Fatima proudly announced, "Main raat ko Ayesha ke paas baithungi."
Kulsoom aunty smiled. "Lekin pehle tum so jaogi."
At around 11 p.m., Maryam stood up. "Ab hum chalte hain. Subah milte hain."
Rimsha held her hand. "Shukriya… sab ke liye."
Maryam smiled. "Yeh toh farz tha."
As the house slowly quieted, Rimsha lay in her own bed, her daughter beside her, her family under the same roof once again.
That night, sleep came gently—not from exhaustion alone, but from peace.