Scene 1: Aaliya's Dilemma
(In Lahore, the night before Aaliya's final exams.)
Mama: "Aaliya, close that book right now and go to bed. You've been pretending to study for hours!"
Aaliya: (Groaning) "But I'm reviewing the last chapter, Mama."
Mama: "Reviewing? You haven't been studying properly all week! If you fail, don't blame me. I'm calling Aliza right now."
(Aaliya freezes as Mama picks up the phone, her heart racing when she hears Aliza's name.)
Aaliya: "Wait, Mama, no—"
(But it's too late. The phone rings, and Aaliya knows what's coming. She stares at the screen nervously before picking up.)
---
Aaliya: "Assalam o Alaikum, Aapi... How are you?"
Aliza: (Sharply) "Walaikum Salam. I'm fine. But what's going on with you, huh? Mama tells me you're not studying properly! What are you thinking, Aaliya?"
Aaliya: "Aapi, it's just... I miss you. I can't focus without you. You always used to teach me so well, and now I'm lost."
Aliza: "I miss you too, sweetie. But listen, I can't come home right now. I'm in the middle of my job training. Three more months to go, and your exams are next month. How will I make it in time?"
Aaliya: "Aapi... please, can't you just come home for a few days?"
Aliza: (Sighs) "I wish I could, but I have responsibilities here. I'll convince Mama to get you a tutor, okay?"
Aaliya: (Pouting) "No tutor can teach me like you do."
Aliza: (Laughs softly) "I know, I know. I've been teaching you since you were little; no wonder you feel lost now."
Aaliya: "Exactly. See? You understand me!"
Aliza: "Alright, we'll make a deal. I'll call you every evening after my shift, and we'll study together over video call. Deal?"
Aaliya: (Brightening) "Deal!"
Aliza: "Good girl. Now, stop worrying and focus on your books, okay? I have to go now, but we'll connect later."
Aaliya: "Okay, Aapi. Love you!"
Aliza: "Love you too. Bye."
(The call ends, and Aaliya feels a little lighter, knowing her sister is still by her side—even from afar.)
---
Scene 2: Reunion at Home
(A month later, Aliza's visit back to Lahore.)
Aaliya: (Waiting at the door impatiently) "What time is it, Mama? When will Aapi get here?"
Mama: (Chuckles) "She said she'd be here by 5:30. Just be patient!"
(Finally, at exactly 5:30, the front door swings open, and Aliza steps inside, her face lighting up at the sight of Aaliya.)
Aaliya: (Practically shouting) "Assalam o Alaikum, Aapi!"
Aliza: "Walaikum Salam, my naughty girl! How are you?"
Aaliya: (Grinning) "I missed you so much! My exams went well, and guess what? I even learned to cook! Well… sort of. My first roti was a disaster."
(Before Aliza can respond, Mama appears in the doorway.)
Mama: "Aaliya, will you let her come in, or are you planning to keep her on the doorstep all night?"
Aaliya: (Sheepishly) "Oops. Come in, Aapi!"
(They all laugh, and Aliza steps inside. She drops her bags and sits on the couch, savoring the warmth of home.)
Mama: "So, how's work, Aliza? How's your training going?"
Aliza: "It's going well, Mama, though it's a bit tough."
Mama: "Every job comes with challenges, my dear. But once you overcome them, the sense of accomplishment is worth it."
Aliza: "I know, Mama. And how was Aaliya during her exams? Was she focused?"
Mama: (Groaning) "Don't ask. Every time I told her to study, she'd say she was prepared. But I don't think she was as ready as she claimed."
Aliza: (Raising an eyebrow) "Really? That's not what she told me on the phone. She made it sound like she was completely lost without me."
Mama: (Laughs) "She was just playing you, dear. That girl knows how to put on an act."
Aliza: "So she thinks I'm easy to fool, huh? I'll have to teach her a lesson."
Mama: (Amused) "Oh, come now. You know she loves you. Don't be too hard on her."
---
Scene 3: A Dinner Proposal
(The family gathers for dinner a few days later.)
Aaliya: (Suddenly brightening) "Hey, Mama! Shouldn't we go out for dinner to celebrate? Aliza is here, and my exams are done."
Mama: (Smiling) "That sounds like a good idea. What do you think, Aliza?"
Aliza: "I'm not sure… It feels like unnecessary spending."
Aaliya: (Pouting) "Aapi, you always ruin my fun!"
Aliza: "I just think we shouldn't waste money like this."
Aaliya: "But Mama is on my side!"
Aliza: (Playfully) "Mama just said yes to make you happy, you know."
Aaliya: "Let's ask her again, then!"
(They both turn to Mama, who chuckles at their bickering.)
Mama: "Hmm... I think Aaliya has a point. Let's go out and have some fun."
Aaliya: (Triumphant) "See? I told you!"
Aliza: (Laughing) "Alright, alright. You win. Let's go out."
---
Scene 4: A Surprise Encounter
(That evening, the family arrives at CP Five Star Restaurant. As they settle into their seats, Aliza notices a familiar figure in the crowd.)
Aliza: (Whispering to Aaliya) "Is that… Major Hamza?"
Aaliya: "Could be. But what are the odds of him being here?"
(Aliza blushes slightly, but she quickly composes herself. Moments later, Major Hamza approaches their table.)
Major Hamza: "Assalam o Alaikum."
Everyone: "Walaikum Salam."
(Mrs. Muneerah smiles warmly at him.)
Mama: "How are you, Hamza?"
Hamza: "I'm well, Aunty. I'm on vacation, visiting my grandmother in Lahore."
(After a brief introduction, Mrs. Muneerah invites Hamza and his family to join their table. Soon, the two families are chatting comfortably, and the evening passes in lively conversation.)
---
Scene 5: Packing and Parting
(A few days later, it's time for Aliza to return to Rawalpindi. Aaliya helps her pack, but she can't resist teasing her sister.)
Aaliya: "So... What do you think of Major Hamza, Aapi? He's quite charming, isn't he?"
Aliza: (Blushing) "Oh, stop it, you! Just help me with the packing."
Aaliya: "Admit it! You were blushing when he came to our table."
Aliza: (Throwing a pillow at her) "Enough! Or I'll kick you out of the room."
(They both burst into laughter as they finish packing.)
---
Scene 6: Departure
(The next morning, Aliza wakes up early to say her goodbyes. After breakfast, she hugs Aaliya tightly.)
Aliza: "Be good while I'm gone, okay?"
Aaliya: "I'll try. But I'll miss you so much."
(They share a heartfelt moment before Aliza heads to the car with Mama. At the airport, Mama gives her a final hug.)
Mama: "Take care of yourself, my child. And remember, we're always just a phone call away."
Aliza: "I know, Mama. I love you."
(With that, Aliza boards her flight, ready to return to her training and her new life in Rawalpindi.)