The sky outside was heavy with clouds, a drizzle tapping against the bedroom window as the night deepened into a gentle silence. It was one of those quiet, grateful nights—filled not with celebration or noise, but with the calm contentment of dreams fulfilled.
In the soft glow of the bedside lamp, Maryam lay nestled under the warm blanket, her head resting comfortably against Haroon's chest, his arm wrapped around her shoulders protectively. The gentle rise and fall of his breath was steady, soothing. Ubaid, their little bundle of joy, slept peacefully in his baby bed, tucked into his favorite blue blanket, a tiny smile curved on his lips.
Maryam stared at the ceiling for a moment and then whispered, "Can you believe it's almost been a whole year since Amana Superstore opened?"
Haroon smiled and tightened his embrace around her. "SubhanAllah. Time really flies when you're building something with love and sincerity."
Maryam smiled. "I still remember the day we cut the ribbon… the crowd, the quiz games, the rush of energy in the air."
Haroon chuckled. "And the way people stormed in for the gift vouchers. I thought we'd run out within an hour."
She laughed lightly and turned to look up at him. "You were the one who came up with the idea of the quiz competition."
He nodded with a hint of pride. "Yes, and it worked. People loved it. But the real strength behind Amana Superstore is you and Rimsha."
Maryam's eyes softened. "Rimsha has grown so much this past year. She's matured, taken real responsibility. She's just nineteen, but sometimes she talks like she's been running businesses for a decade."
Haroon smiled warmly. "She had the best teacher."
Maryam gently rolled her eyes but blushed at the compliment. "You know, she came to me today and said we should plan something special for the employees on the first anniversary. She wants to give bonuses to the whole staff."
Haroon nodded approvingly. "That's a beautiful thought. And well deserved. They've all worked really hard. From the helpers in the basement to the cashiers and stock boys on the ground and first floor."
She turned slightly, laying a hand on Haroon's chest. "Do you remember the size of the building? 700 square feet on each level… basement, ground floor, first floor. It's a blessing how everything got filled so quickly. Every shelf, every corner."
Haroon nodded. "I remember when we were scrubbing dust off those broken old shelves after selling the library books. And now look at us."
Maryam smiled. "You know, sometimes I just stand on the first floor and watch the customers below. It fills my heart."
"Me too," Haroon replied. "Especially when I see families coming in with kids. They buy food, toys, school bags… they leave happy. That's our success."
The room fell into a soft silence for a few moments. The sound of the drizzle outside now mixed with the distant hum of the city night. Ubaid shifted slightly in his sleep, murmuring something incomprehensible before settling again.
Haroon turned to kiss Maryam's forehead. "We must be thankful to Allah. This success… it's not just ours. It's His gift."
"Ameen," Maryam whispered.
After a moment, Haroon added, "Imran has been a pillar. The way he manages everything—stock orders, supplier payments, staff schedules—it's amazing."
Maryam nodded. "And he does all this while raising little Khadija. May Allah bless him. It's not easy being a single parent."
"I hope Allah brings him someone who will fill his life with love again," Haroon said thoughtfully.
Maryam's heart softened. "He deserves it. He never complains, never takes a day off without reason."
Just then, her phone buzzed lightly on the side table. She picked it up and smiled. "It's a message from Rimsha. She's confirming the bonus amount for each staff member. She wants to finalize it by tomorrow."
Haroon peeked at the screen and chuckled. "She's texting you at midnight about business. That's true commitment."
"She's passionate about it," Maryam said with pride.
"Well, then we should support her. Let's finalize the bonus plan tomorrow and prepare the certificates too. Make it special."
Maryam agreed. "Yes. We'll give everyone a bonus cheque and a thank-you card. Maybe even a small celebration in the basement staff lounge."
"Perfect idea," Haroon said. He stretched slightly, reaching to switch off the lamp.
But before he did, he looked at Maryam again, her hair slightly messy from the pillow, her eyes shining with gratitude and dreams. "You're not just the heart of this house, Maryam. You're the heart of our business too."
Maryam blushed and lowered her gaze. "And you are my strength, Haroon. Without your support, I could never have done this."
He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. "Good night, my queen."
"Good night," she whispered, as the light dimmed and the peaceful hush of the room embraced them.
The drizzle outside turned into a slow patter. Ubaid's tiny snores were now a gentle rhythm of comfort. And as Haroon and Maryam drifted into sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, the journey of Amana Superstore was just beginning a new chapter—one of stability, growth, and heartfelt service.
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End of Chapter 41