Scene 1: Evening Strolls and Sweet Moments
It was early March, and Maryam was now entering the fifth month of her pregnancy. A soft breeze passed through the trees outside, and the late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the neighborhood park near their home. Haroon had made it a habit to take Maryam for a walk in the park every evening, both to ensure she got some gentle exercise and to spend some quiet time together away from the bustle of daily life.
They walked slowly along the gravel path, hand in hand, the rustling leaves providing a soothing soundtrack.
Maryam (smiling): "Haroon, the air smells so fresh today. I think spring is finally here."
Haroon: "Maybe that's why you're glowing even more than usual."
Maryam laughed and blushed lightly. She wore a soft lavender shawl around her shoulders and white flat slippers. Her pregnancy was now visible, a gentle curve beneath her light pink kurta.
As they neared the small vendor cart beside the bench, Maryam tugged Haroon's sleeve playfully.
Maryam: "Can I have kulfi today instead of ice cream? I've been thinking about it since noon."
Haroon (grinning): "Of course. Anything for my two sweethearts."
He bought two kulfis—one pistachio, one almond. Maryam took a bite of hers and then extended it toward Haroon.
Maryam: "Here, try it. It's too good not to share."
Haroon leaned in and took a bite, nodding in agreement.
Haroon: "You always have the best taste in food."
They sat on their usual bench under the banyan tree, sharing kulfi, occasionally watching children playing cricket nearby and elderly couples walking hand in hand. It was peaceful — the kind of peace Haroon cherished after long days of duty.
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Scene 2: Back Home — An Unexpected Visit
After their walk, they returned home around 6:30 PM. Maryam immediately headed to the kitchen to prepare evening tea, while Haroon went to freshen up. But as Maryam placed the cups on the tray, the doorbell rang.
She glanced at Haroon, who was just emerging from the washroom in a fresh kurta.
Maryam (curious): "Who could it be at this hour?"
Haroon (with a mysterious smile): "Go open the door. Maybe someone missed you."
Maryam opened the door and gasped in surprise.
Maryam: "Abbu! Rimsha?!"
Her father stood at the door with a warm smile and a bouquet of fresh roses. Her younger sister Rimsha ran forward and hugged her tightly.
Rimsha (giggling): "Baji! Look at you! You're glowing like the full moon!"
Maryam (teary-eyed): "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
Haroon (coming forward): "Because I told them not to. I wanted to surprise you."
Maryam turned to him with disbelief and warmth in her eyes.
Maryam: "You planned this?"
Haroon (smiling): "Well, I know how much you miss your family."
She hugged him briefly in front of everyone, her heart full. Rimsha peeked into the house.
Rimsha: "Wow, Baji, this house is so cozy! It feels like home."
Maryam (laughing): "It is home."
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Scene 3: A Beautiful Family Dinner
Haroon had already ordered a special dinner — mutton biryani, chicken handi, garlic naan, and kheer for dessert — from a nearby restaurant that Maryam loved. The table was set beautifully with candles, plates neatly arranged, and fresh flowers in a vase.
Maryam's Father (smiling at Haroon): "Beta, tumne toh kamaal kar diya. I expected chai, not a full daawat."
Haroon (modestly): "Aap log hamare liye khaas hain. Yeh toh farz tha."
They all sat down to eat, laughter filling the room. Rimsha shared stories from her university, and Maryam's father shared nostalgic tales of Maryam's childhood — how she used to hide sweets under her pillow, how she once tried to cook on her own and burned half the kitchen towel.
Maryam (blushing): "Abbu, please! Not in front of Haroon."
Haroon (teasing): "Now I understand why we're always running out of sugar."
The evening flowed like honey — sweet, light, and full of affection. After dinner, they all sat together in the living room. Maryam served kheer in small bowls while Rimsha helped Haroon clean up the table.
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Scene 4: Later That Night — A Quiet Moment
After Maryam's father and sister left around 10:30 PM, Haroon and Maryam sat in the balcony with a warm blanket wrapped around their shoulders.
Maryam (resting her head on his shoulder): "Thank you, Haroon. I really needed tonight."
Haroon (kissing her forehead): "You do so much for me… the least I can do is bring a little joy to your heart."
Maryam (softly): "You've given me more than I ever imagined. A home, love, peace… and now, this child."
Haroon (holding her hand): "You've given me everything too, Maryam. I can't wait to meet our baby."
They sat in silence for a while, the stars glittering above, the quiet hum of night settling around them like a lullaby. In that still moment, both of them knew their journey was just beginning — and it was already beautiful.
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End of Chapter 12
Let me know when you're ready for Chapter 13, or if you'd like any visuals or sketches based on this scene.