Scene 1 — The Final Rehearsal
The corridors of City School echoed with laughter and the clatter of small shoes. It was the 9th of August, only five days left for Independence Day, and the excitement had reached its peak.
In the auditorium, rows of chairs had been arranged for the upcoming event. A large stage backdrop displayed a giant crescent and star against a deep green background, with the words:
"14th August — Jashn-e-Azadi"
Ubaid stood at the podium, his hands resting confidently on either side. His eyes scanned the hall as if it were filled with an invisible audience.
"Respected Principal, dear teachers, and my friends," he began in a firm, clear voice, "Independence is not just a date on the calendar. It is a blessing, written with the sacrifices of countless lives…"
His words flowed smoothly, without a single pause of hesitation. Teachers exchanged satisfied glances; even the janitors paused at the back to listen.
When he concluded with, "Long live Pakistan," his voice rose with emotion, and the children clapped loudly.
Miss Ayesha beamed.
"Bravo, Ubaid! You've perfected it. If you deliver like this on the 14th, the audience will be on their feet."
Ubaid blushed slightly but smiled proudly.
---
Scene 2 — Irfan's Tablo Practice
On the ground outside, the tablo group lined up again. Green and white scarves fluttered in the afternoon breeze.
"Irfan, remember your step," Miss Erum reminded.
"Yes, Miss!" Irfan said, tightening his grip on the ribbon.
The music began, and the children sang along. This time, Irfan's movements matched perfectly with the rhythm. He twirled, clapped, and marched in place, his little face glowing with enthusiasm.
When the final beat hit, he shouted, "Pakistan Zindabad!" louder than everyone.
The teachers laughed, clapping their hands.
"That's the spirit," Miss Erum said warmly. "If you keep this energy, the tablo will be the highlight."
---
Scene 3 — Rush at Amana Superstore
While the school buzzed with rehearsals, Amana Superstore was packed wall-to-wall with customers. Families strolled through aisles, children pointed at balloons, and the cash registers rang without pause.
Near the clothing section, one man held a kurta, rubbing the fabric between his fingers.
"This stitching is neat," he said to his wife. "And look — 14% discount. Should we take two?"
His wife nodded. "Yes. Rimsha's store always keeps good quality. It's worth it."
By late afternoon, the line at the checkout stretched long. Sales figures kept climbing, higher than even Imran had expected.
Inside the office upstairs, Rimsha and Imran watched the floor through the glass wall.
Imran exhaled deeply, tapping the calculator.
"Unbelievable. Sales are already 30% higher than last year's August week. You were right, Rimsha. That 14% discount pulled the crowd."
She smiled, though her eyes held a thoughtful look.
"Yes, sales are high… but did you notice? Not a single worker bought even one shirt or suit. They're working so hard, yet they don't enjoy the same festivity."
Imran frowned, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe they're too busy. Or maybe they want to save money."
Rimsha shook her head. "No, Imran. They want to celebrate too. But sometimes wallets don't allow it. We should do something for them."
---
Scene 4 — Rimsha's Decision
She stood by the desk, arms crossed, determination in her eyes.
"Tomorrow is salary day. But why wait? It's the 9th of August. Let's call each worker in, one by one, give them their salary cheque — and along with it, gift them a special suit for Independence Day."
Imran raised his eyebrows. "Every worker? That will cost a lot."
"It's not a cost," Rimsha replied softly. "It's gratitude. These workers gave us their sweat and time. This is our chance to honor them."
He looked at her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. You win again. Let's do it."
---
Scene 5 — Salary and Gifts
The office door opened, and Sadia, the cashier, stepped in nervously. Rimsha smiled warmly and gestured for her to sit.
"Sadia," Rimsha said, sliding an envelope across the desk, "this is your salary cheque for August. Thank you for your dedication."
Sadia's eyes widened. "But madam, today is the 9th, not the 10th."
Imran smiled slightly. "Consider it early this month. You've earned it."
Before she could respond, Rimsha stood and handed her a neatly wrapped packet.
"And this is a gift — an Independence Day special suit. From us to you."
Sadia covered her mouth, tears forming in her eyes.
"Madam… Sir… I don't know what to say. No one has ever done this for me."
"Just wear it on the 14th and celebrate with pride," Rimsha said softly.
---
Scene 6 — Worker After Worker
The process continued. One by one, workers entered the office — cashiers, shelf arrangers, cleaners, sales staff. Each received their salary cheque and a gift packet containing a suit.
Nida, the salesgirl, exclaimed, "Green and white kameez! This will look perfect for the school program of my younger sister."
Zeenat, one of the older women, wiped her eyes. "In all my years of work, no manager has ever thought of our clothes. May Allah bless you both."
Imran, usually reserved, felt a lump in his throat. He handed each cheque with newfound warmth. Rimsha noticed, smiling quietly at the change in him.
---
Scene 7 — A Quiet Moment
When the last worker left, arms full of packages, the office fell silent again. Outside, laughter floated in as workers compared colors and sizes of their suits.
Imran leaned back in his chair, exhaling.
"You know, Rimsha… I thought numbers were everything. But today, seeing their faces, I realized — this is real profit. Their happiness."
Rimsha placed a hand gently on the desk between them.
"That's the secret of leadership, Imran. Sometimes, giving is more powerful than selling."
---
Scene 8 — At the Workers' Homes
That evening, across different neighborhoods of the city, the workers of Amana Superstore carried their packages home.
Sadia's little daughter opened the packet and squealed.
"Ammi, this is so pretty! Can I wear it on my school function?"
Zeenat's husband admired the stitching, saying, "Your workplace truly respects you. That's rare."
In every home, the green and white suits became symbols not only of Independence Day, but of dignity and appreciation.
---
Scene 9 — The Two Worlds Connect
As the clock struck 9 p.m., Rimsha sat by the office window, tired but content. Imran joined her with two cups of tea.
"City School must be in full swing too," he said. "Ubaid's speech, Irfan's tablo… I wish we could attend their rehearsals."
Rimsha smiled. "On the 14th, we'll see both worlds — the children shining in school, and our workers shining in new clothes."
Imran raised his cup. "To freedom, hard work, and shared happiness."
Rimsha clinked her cup against his. "Pakistan Zindabad."
---
End of Chapter