Scene 1 – Lunchtime Conversations
Amana Superstore, Staff Dining Hall
It was around 1:30 PM, and most of the staff had gathered in the cafeteria for lunch. The atmosphere was lively, with people chatting about customers, sales targets, and their weekend plans. In the corner, Imran sat waiting, his phone in hand, scrolling aimlessly but with a smile that hinted at anticipation.
Moments later, Rimsha walked in, her soft pink dress neatly matching her dupatta. She carried a small lunchbox in one hand and looked around. Spotting Imran, her lips curved into a faint smile.
Rimsha: "You're early today. Waiting for me?"
Imran (grinning): "Maybe. Or maybe I was just hungry."
Rimsha (raising an eyebrow, teasing): "Hungry for food or something else?"
Imran (laughs softly): "Both, perhaps."
They both settled at the table, opening their lunchboxes. The rest of the staff noticed them but had grown used to seeing them together. Some whispered, but neither Rimsha nor Imran cared anymore.
Rimsha: "You know, people must be gossiping about us by now."
Imran (shrugging): "Let them talk. If they see me with the best-dressed and smartest woman in the office, it's natural."
Rimsha (blushing slightly): "Best-dressed? You notice too much."
Imran: "I notice everything about you. How could I not?"
Rimsha smiled quietly, her heart racing at his words. Lunches together had become their daily ritual—half work, half subtle romance. They talked about everything: their families, their dreams, even silly stories from their childhoods.
Rimsha (playfully): "By the way, you promised me last week you'd show me that hidden café you like. Still waiting."
Imran: "How about this Friday after work? My treat."
Rimsha: "Hmm… let me check my busy schedule."
Imran (leaning closer, whispering): "Busy schedule or pretending to resist?"
Rimsha (smiling shyly): "Maybe both."
They laughed softly, their bond growing stronger with every shared meal.
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Scene 2 – Mischief at Home
Haroon's House – Evening
Maryam stood in the kitchen, her hands busy kneading dough for roti. The sound of giggles echoed from the living room, followed by a loud crash.
Maryam (shouting): "Ubaid! Irfan! What have you broken this time?"
Rushing out, she found her sons standing near the fallen flower vase. Water spread across the carpet, and petals of fresh roses lay scattered.
Six-year-old Ubaid tried to hide behind the sofa, while three-year-old Irfan pointed at his brother with innocent eyes.
Irfan (pretending to be serious): "Ammi, Ubaid ne toda!"
Ubaid (protesting): "No! Irfan pushed me! Ammi, he's lying."
Maryam placed her hands on her hips, trying to look stern though laughter threatened to escape.
Maryam: "Both of you are partners in crime. Don't try to fool me."
Ubaid (grinning): "Partners in crime? Yes, but today it was Irfan's plan!"
Irfan (crossing arms): "Nahi! Bhai ka idea tha."
Maryam sighed, kneeling to clean the mess while the boys followed her, still bickering.
Maryam: "You two will drive me crazy one day. Your father will hear about this when he comes home."
Ubaid (smirking): "Abbu won't scold us. He always laughs."
Irfan (nodding eagerly): "Yes, Abbu is our friend!"
Maryam shook her head but couldn't suppress a smile. Despite the chaos, she loved how close her sons were—true crime partners who covered each other's mistakes at school and home.
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Scene 3 – Elder Brother at School
City School – Afternoon Break
The schoolyard was filled with children running, playing, and shouting. Ubaid, now in grade one, stood tall among his classmates, with little Irfan holding his hand tightly.
Some older boys tried to tease Irfan, pulling his water bottle.
Older Boy: "Give me that bottle, chotu!"
Irfan (scared): "No! It's mine!"
Before the boy could snatch it, Ubaid stepped forward, glaring.
Ubaid: "Don't touch my brother. Give it back!"
Older Boy (mocking): "Or what?"
Ubaid (clenched fists): "Or I'll tell the teacher. And then you'll see."
The older boy hesitated and returned the bottle. Irfan hugged his brother tightly.
Irfan (admiringly): "Bhai, you saved me!"
Ubaid (smiling proudly): "Always. At school, I'm your big brother. At home, we're partners. Deal?"
Irfan (nodding happily): "Deal!"
Their bond deepened even at school, where Ubaid played the role of protector, while at home, he joined Irfan in mischievous adventures.
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Scene 4 – Evening Reflections
Amana Superstore – Rooftop
It was closing time. Rimsha and Imran stepped outside, enjoying the cool evening breeze. The rooftop, usually quiet, had become their private escape after long shifts.
Rimsha (softly): "Strange how life changes. A year ago, I never thought I'd find someone I could talk to like this."
Imran: "Maybe life wanted us to meet. Maybe we were meant to notice each other among hundreds."
Rimsha (looking at him): "Do you really think so?"
Imran (smiling): "I don't just think it. I believe it."
There was silence for a moment as they both gazed at the city lights. The unspoken words lingered in the air, their glances holding the secrets of hearts slowly falling in love.
Rimsha (breaking the silence): "Sometimes I wonder… are we just colleagues, or something more?"
Imran (gently): "What do you feel?"
Rimsha (hesitating, then smiling faintly): "I feel… it's more."
Imran didn't reply immediately. Instead, he reached out and lightly touched her hand. The gesture spoke more than words ever could.
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Scene 5 – Family Table Talk
Haroon's Home – Dinner Time
Haroon returned from duty, tired but happy to be home. Maryam served dinner while the boys sat at the table, whispering and laughing.
Haroon: "So, what's today's news? Did the little soldiers behave?"
Maryam (rolling her eyes): "Behave? They broke my vase."
Ubaid (innocently): "It was an accident, Abbu."
Irfan (nodding eagerly): "Yes, accident!"
Haroon (laughing): "See, Maryam, they're honest. That's what matters."
Maryam (exasperated): "Honest criminals are still criminals."
The whole family laughed together, filling the house with warmth.
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Scene 6 – Weekend Outing
Small Café – Friday Evening
As promised, Imran took Rimsha to the café she had been curious about. The small, cozy place was tucked away from the busy streets. Fairy lights hung around the entrance, giving it a dreamy vibe.
They chose a quiet corner. Imran ordered Rimsha's favorite—chicken pasta and cold coffee.
Rimsha (looking around): "This place is beautiful. Why didn't you bring me earlier?"
Imran: "Because I wanted it to be special."
Rimsha (smiling softly): "And it is."
They talked for hours, forgetting time, as if the world outside didn't exist. Laughter, teasing, and subtle glances filled the night. For both of them, this was no longer just friendship—it was love slowly taking root.
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Scene 7 – Closing Thoughts
Night at Rimsha's Apartment
Later that night, Rimsha sat by her window, looking at the stars. Her thoughts kept circling back to Imran—the way he smiled, the way he noticed her little details, the way he made her feel special.
She whispered to herself, smiling faintly:
Rimsha: "What is happening to me? Why do I wait for his texts, his calls? Why does it feel like… love?"
On the other side of the city, Imran sat in his room, replaying Rimsha's laughter in his mind. He felt the same—this was no longer a casual attraction. It was something deeper, stronger, undeniable.