Scene 1 – The Superstore Glances
The evening rush at Amana Superstore was always loud. Customers moved about with baskets, the soft hum of background music played from ceiling speakers, and announcements echoed now and then.
Rimsha was arranging a rack of women's scarves, carefully folding and lining them. Her eyes, however, drifted toward the billing counter where Imran was assisting a middle-aged man with his queries. He wore a crisp white shirt today, sleeves folded neatly, giving him a composed yet approachable look. Rimsha smiled unconsciously, though she quickly turned her head when he glanced her way.
A few minutes later, Imran walked toward her section with a clipboard in hand.
Imran (casual tone, pretending to check stock):
"Rimsha, did the new consignment of scarves arrive? I think the sales report showed some shortage."
Rimsha (nervously smiling):
"Yes, sir, it's here. I've just displayed them. But I think two colors are still missing."
Imran (half-smile):
"Good… you always notice the details. Makes my work easier."
Their eyes locked briefly—longer than normal for two colleagues. Both quickly busied themselves, hiding what was rising in their hearts. Yet inside, each waited for the other's presence daily. If Imran was late, Rimsha felt restless. If Rimsha didn't show up on time, Imran kept glancing at the main door until she entered.
Scene 2 – Dinner Outside
Later that night, as the superstore lights dimmed and shutters were being pulled down, Imran approached Rimsha near the exit.
Imran (softly, almost hesitant):
"Rimsha… have you had dinner?"
Rimsha (looking down, shy):
"Not yet. I was planning to cook something at home."
Imran (smiling warmly):
"Would you… like to have dinner outside? Just a simple one. There's a small restaurant nearby, their food is good."
Rimsha paused. She knew her heart was already beating faster, yet she didn't want him to think she was too eager.
Rimsha:
"Alright… but only if you're sure you won't be late reaching home."
They went together to the restaurant, sitting at a corner table. Their talk remained casual—about work, about random things—but their eyes spoke otherwise. Every laugh, every silence carried something deeper. They were both hiding, yet both knew they were waiting for such moments.
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Scene 3 – The School Summons
The next afternoon, Maryam received a call on her phone while she was busy preparing lunch. It was from the City School, where Ubaid and Irfan studied.
Caller (school receptionist):
"Madam, the principal, Mrs. Uzma Rashid, would like to meet you regarding an incident yesterday. Kindly come today."
Maryam's heart sank. She quickly dressed, leaving little Irfan's lunch half-prepared, and hurried to the school.
Inside the principal's office, the air was heavy. Ubaid stood with lowered eyes, hands behind his back, fidgeting with his shirt. His water bottle lay on the table, still showing a faint stain.
Principal Uzma (stern but calm):
"Mrs. Maryam, thank you for coming. Yesterday, an unfortunate incident happened. Ubaid hit his classmate Yaqoob on the temple with this bottle. It caused bleeding. Thankfully, our nurse managed it quickly."
Maryam's eyes widened in shock. She turned to Ubaid.
Maryam (raising her voice slightly):
"Ubaid! What is this? Why would you do that?"
Ubaid (defending himself, almost shouting):
"Ammi, he was misbehaving with Irfan! He was pushing him and calling him names. I couldn't tolerate it… so I hit him."
Maryam sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead.
Principal Uzma (softening her tone):
"Mrs. Maryam, I understand. Ubaid is a bright student. Both your sons are excellent in studies, but Ubaid has an anger issue. He is very protective of his brother, which is good in a way, but violence cannot be encouraged."
Maryam (calm, respectful):
"You're right, Madam. I will talk to him. He is very possessive for Irfan… perhaps too much."
Principal Uzma (nodding, empathetic):
"I know that feeling. I have kids myself. Protectiveness is natural… but it must be balanced. Please make sure such an incident won't happen again."
The conversation stretched on for nearly an hour. Uzma gave examples of how children should be guided, shared strategies about channeling anger into positive activities, and advised Maryam to give Ubaid confidence while also teaching patience.
Maryam listened carefully, nodding. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders. She knew she had to handle both brothers wisely—Ubaid's temper and Irfan's dependence.
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Scene 4 – The Request
As the clock neared school closing time, Maryam glanced at her watch.
Maryam (hesitantly):
"Madam, it's almost time for school to close… may I take Ubaid and Irfan home with me directly? It will save time for them as well."
Principal Uzma thought for a moment. Then she picked up the intercom and dialed.
Principal Uzma (on intercom):
"Miss Nadia, please send Ubaid and Irfan to the waiting lounge. Their mother will pick them from there."
Miss Nadia (reply through intercom):
"Sure, Madam."
Within a few minutes, both boys walked into the waiting lounge, a small area with chairs where parents usually sat until dismissal. Irfan's face lit up when he saw Maryam.
Irfan (running up to her):
"Ammi! You came early today!"
Maryam hugged him tightly. She held Ubaid's shoulder firmly too, though her expression was still stern.
Maryam (to Ubaid, whispering):
"We will talk at home. For now, behave."
Ubaid (quietly, almost guilty):
"Yes, Ammi."
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Scene 5 – The Ride Home
On the way back in the rickshaw, Irfan kept chattering about his day at school, while Ubaid sat silently, staring out the window. Maryam noticed the contrast between her sons—the younger carefree and talkative, the elder carrying the weight of his protective instincts.
Maryam (gently to Ubaid):
"Beta, I know you love your brother. But hurting others is not the way. You must find words, not fists. Understand?"
Ubaid (looking down, softly):
"But Ammi, he was insulting Irfan. I couldn't stand it…"
Maryam (sighing, stroking his hair):
"I understand. But promise me… next time you'll come to the teacher instead of raising your hand."
Ubaid (after a pause):
"Promise, Ammi."
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Scene 6 – Hidden Longings Continue
That same evening, far away from Maryam's worries, Rimsha sat in her room, scrolling through her phone, staring at the picture of the dish they had eaten last night with Imran. Her heart fluttered remembering his smile, the way he had insisted she try the spicy kebabs.
At his home, Imran too leaned back on his bed, lost in thought. He replayed Rimsha's laughter in his mind. His heart knew what his tongue refused to confess.
They both hid their emotions outwardly—pretending to be just colleagues. But inside, a storm was rising, waiting for the day it would burst forth.
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