Scene 1 — The Morning of the Function
The City School grounds glittered with green and white decorations. Flags fluttered along the walls, buntings crisscrossed over the courtyard, and a giant portrait of Quaid-e-Azam stood proudly beside the stage. Parents were already trickling in through the school gate, dressed in festive colors.
By 9:00 a.m. sharp, the function began in the school's decorated auditorium. Rows of chairs filled with students, parents, and teachers faced the stage, where a microphone gleamed under bright lights.
Miss Nadia, the junior section coordinator, adjusted the mic. Her confident smile set the tone.
"Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Respected Principal Mrs. Uzma Rashid, dear teachers, honorable guests, proud parents, and my beloved students — Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Welcome to our Independence Day celebration, where we honor the sacrifices that gave us this free homeland."
Polite clapping followed.
"Let us begin with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an. I invite Hira Arshad of Class 9."
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Scene 2 — Tilawat by Hira Arshad
Hira stepped gracefully onto the stage, her white dupatta neatly pinned. She opened the Qur'an and began reciting verses in a melodious tone:
> "Wa'tasimoo bihablillahi jamee'an wa la tafarraqoo…"
Her voice, filled with calm devotion, echoed beautifully through the hall. Parents bowed their heads. A hush of spirituality settled across the gathering. When she ended, the audience softly replied, "SubhanAllah."
Miss Nadia returned.
"Thank you, Hira, for reminding us of the unity Allah commands."
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Scene 3 — Early Speeches
Miss Nadia continued:
"Our first speaker is Danish from Class 10, who will share his thoughts on the importance of independence."
Danish, tall and composed, walked to the podium. His speech carried maturity beyond his years.
"We are blessed to live in a free Pakistan. Our freedom is written in the blood of martyrs. Today, we must ask ourselves: Are we living up to their sacrifices?"
Thunderous applause followed.
The second speech came from Saba of Class 8, who spoke with energy.
"Our flag is not just cloth. It is a symbol of our identity. When it waves, it tells the world: Pakistan lives!"
Parents clapped warmly, impressed with her passion.
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Scene 4 — Ubaid Waiting for His Turn
In the third row, little Ubaid sat nervously clutching his waistcoat. His number was 8th in line. He whispered to his friend:
"My turn is after five more speeches."
His friend encouraged him, "Don't worry, you've practiced more than anyone. You'll do great."
Ubaid nodded, repeating his lines silently in his head.
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Scene 5 — The Arrival of Special Guests
At exactly 8:30 a.m., a stir ran through the courtyard. The school gate opened, and Principal Uzma, Coordinator Miss Abrish, and section heads stood ready to welcome the guests.
A black official car pulled up. Out stepped Mr. Riaz Hashmi, the Education Minister, wearing a green sherwani with a white scarf. Beside him was his wife, Mrs. Samina Hashmi, elegant in a white dress with a green dupatta.
Principal Uzma offered a bouquet.
"Welcome, sir, welcome madam. It is an honor for us."
The Minister smiled warmly.
"The honor is mine. Seeing young students celebrate freedom gives me hope."
Teachers guided them to the front row of the auditorium, where reserved seats bore their names. The entire audience stood respectfully as they entered.
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Scene 6 — Ubaid's Speech
Miss Nadia's voice rang again:
"Now, please welcome Ubaid from Class 3, who will deliver his speech on 'The Spirit of Independence'."
Tiny Ubaid walked confidently to the podium. He looked up, saw the Minister in the front row, and took a deep breath.
"Respected Principal, honorable guests, teachers, and my dear friends — Assalamualaikum."
His voice was clear, steady.
"On 14th August 1947, Pakistan was born. But Pakistan is not just a piece of land. It is our faith, our identity, our pride. Quaid-e-Azam gave us the motto: Unity, Faith, Discipline. If we hold on to these three words, Pakistan will rise forever."
He gestured with small hands, his eyes shining.
"Let us not forget — freedom was earned with sacrifice. It is our duty, even as children, to study hard, respect our elders, and love our country. Because tomorrow, we will be the builders of Pakistan."
He ended with a loud, passionate:
"Pakistan Zindabad!"
The hall erupted in claps and cheers. Even the Minister leaned forward and clapped appreciatively.
Maryam, sitting among the parents, wiped tears of pride from her eyes.
"That's my son," she whispered.
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Scene 7 — Irfan's Tablo
Next came the tablo performances. Children lined up backstage, wearing white clothes and holding green scarves.
The music of "Dil Dil Pakistan" began. Irfan was in the front row, his eyes focused. As the beat picked up, he swung his scarf, stepped left and right in perfect rhythm, and twirled gracefully.
Parents clapped along with the beat, some waving tiny flags in the air.
Miss Erum whispered to another teacher:
"Look at Irfan — he's improved so much. His timing is flawless today."
When the last note rang, the children froze in their final pose, arms raised high with flags. The crowd burst into applause.
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Scene 8 — Patriotic Drama
After the tablo, Class 10 students presented a patriotic drama. Boys in khaki uniforms acted as soldiers, while girls dressed as mothers and sisters spoke emotional dialogues about sacrifice.
One girl, wiping fake tears, said:
"My brother gave his life so you and I could study freely. Let us not forget his sacrifice!"
The audience grew emotional. A father whispered, "This is the reality of Pakistan's history."
When the drama ended with all students saluting the flag, the audience gave them a standing ovation.
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Scene 9 — Minister's Speech and Awards
Miss Nadia returned to the microphone.
"Now I request our honorable guest, Mr. Riaz Hashmi, to share a few words."
The Minister walked to the stage, greeted everyone, and began warmly.
"My young brothers and sisters — today you reminded me that Pakistan's future is bright. Your speeches, your performances, your discipline — all of it shows that the sacrifices of our elders are alive in you."
He paused, looking at Ubaid and Irfan.
"I especially want to appreciate the younger students who participated with such confidence. Never think you are too small to make a difference."
He turned toward Principal Uzma.
"I congratulate the school for nurturing such talent."
Then came the awards ceremony.
The coordinator announced, "In the category of speeches, 2nd position goes to Ubaid of Class 3!"
Ubaid walked shyly onto the stage, where the Minister handed him a shield and a wrapped gift. Cameras flashed. Maryam's heart nearly burst with joy.
"In the category of tablo performances, 3rd position goes to Irfan of Class 1!"
Little Irfan ran up excitedly. The Minister bent down to his level, patted his head, and handed him his prize.
The crowd clapped louder, charmed by the young boy's innocence.
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Scene 10 — The National Anthem
Finally, Miss Nadia announced:
"To conclude this beautiful celebration, let us all stand for the National Anthem of Pakistan."
The piano tune began, and everyone rose. Children, parents, teachers, and guests all placed their right hand on their hearts. Voices united:
"Pak sarzameen shad baad…"
The hall vibrated with passion. The flag on the stage fluttered as if it too sang along.
When the anthem ended, the air was filled with a silence of respect — then loud cheers:
"Pakistan Zindabad!"
The function officially ended.
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Scene 11 — Parents Leaving
Outside, parents gathered their children, congratulating teachers. Maryam hugged both sons tightly.
"I am so proud of you both. Ubaid, your words touched everyone. Irfan, you danced like a star."
Ubaid smiled shyly.
"Ammi, the Minister himself gave me a gift!"
Irfan waved his prize excitedly.
"And I got 3rd position!"
Maryam kissed their foreheads.
"Today, you both gave me the best gift of Independence Day."
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Scene 12 — A Holiday for Amana Superstore
Meanwhile, across town, Amana Superstore was shuttered. A large sign read:
"Closed on 14th August — Happy Independence Day"
Imran and Rimsha had agreed to give the staff a full holiday to celebrate with families. The usually bustling aisles were silent, the lights dim. Only the flags and buntings outside fluttered in the summer breeze.
Inside the empty office, Rimsha had left a note on the desk for the staff to see the next morning:
> "To our hardworking family,
Today, we rest. Tomorrow, we work harder.
Pakistan Zindabad!
– Rimsha & Imran"
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Scene 13 — Evening Reflections
That evening, Maryam's home was filled with laughter. Ubaid polished his award again and again, while Irfan kept reenacting his dance steps.
Maryam watched them fondly, whispering a prayer.
"Ya Allah, keep this joy alive in my home."
Meanwhile, Imran and Rimsha texted each other from their respective homes:
Imran: "The store looks strange when it's closed. But it feels good to give everyone a real holiday."
Rimsha: "Yes. Today belongs to Pakistan. Tomorrow belongs to us."
Both sat back, smiling quietly, feeling that the day had been not just a national celebration, but also a reminder of unity, pride, and hope.
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End of Chapter