Scene 1
(Aliza wakes up early in her apartment the next morning. Sunlight pours through the curtains as she rolls onto her side, still replaying last night's dinner in her mind—Major Hamza's words, the ring, the subtle but persistent spark between them.)
(Her phone buzzes on the side table. It's her mother calling. She picks it up, but the connection is poor at first, with static breaking through.)
Mom: "Hello! Aliza, can you hear me?"
Aliza: "Yes, Mom, it's better now. What's going on?"
Mom: "Just wanted to let you know that Aaliya's final exams have been announced for next week. Can you come home?"
Aliza: "I'll try, but my new project is starting soon."
Mom: "I know, but Aaliya misses you."
Aliza: (Sighs) "Yeah, I miss her too. Let me see what I can do."
(After the call ends, Aliza stares at her phone, thinking. The weight of multiple things—her job, her personal life, the proposal from Hamza—sits heavy on her mind.)
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Scene 2
(A few days later, Aliza arrives at the airport. Her mother and Aaliya are waiting at the arrivals gate, waving excitedly as soon as they spot her.)
Aaliya: "Aapi, Aapi! You're finally here!" (She races towards Aliza, hugging her tightly.)
Aliza: (Laughing, she hugs her back.) "My little troublemaker! I missed you so much."
Aaliya: "How long are you staying? Please say it's for months!"
Aliza: "I'll be here for 15 days, Aaliya."
Aaliya: (Pouts) "What? Only 15 days?"
Mom: "Calm down, Aaliya. At least she's here."
(On the way home, Aaliya bombards Aliza with endless questions, her excitement bubbling over. Eventually, they arrive home, and Aliza feels a sense of comfort as she steps inside.)
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Scene 3
(Later that night, as they sit on the couch drinking tea, Aliza brings up the topic she's been hesitant about.)
Aliza: "Mom, there's something I want to tell you."
Mom: "What is it, my dear? Why do you seem so nervous?"
Aliza: (Takes a deep breath) "It's about Major Hamza."
Mom: "The one who helped you during that accident?"
Aliza: "Yes, him."
Mom: (Curious now) "What about him?"
Aliza: "He... proposed to me."
(Her mother goes quiet for a moment, processing what she just heard.)
Mom: "Proposed? He wants to marry you?"
Aliza: "Yes, Mom."
Mom: (Sits back thoughtfully) "I see... And what do you think about it?"
Aliza: "I think... I like him. But I wanted to talk to you first."
Mom: (After a moment of silence) "Well, give me his contact number. I'll talk to him and arrange a meeting with his parents."
Aliza: (Relieved) "Okay, I'll send you his number."
(Aliza sends the contact information to her mother, feeling slightly nervous but also hopeful. Afterward, she goes to her room and decides to call Hamza to inform him.)
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Scene 4
(Aliza dials Hamza's number, but the call doesn't connect. The automated message says his phone is out of reach. Frowning, she tries again a few hours later, only to hear the same response. Frustrated, she decides to leave him a message on WhatsApp.)
(Her fingers fly across the screen as she types.)
Aliza's Message:
"Hi, Hamza. My mom wants to meet you and your parents. I've given her your contact number. Please be online soon and contact me."
(Satisfied with the message, she places the phone on the side table and leans back on her pillow, staring at the ceiling. Despite the uncertainty, a small smile creeps onto her lips.)
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Scene 5
(The next morning, Aliza wakes up, her thoughts drifting to Hamza once again. She checks her phone first thing but finds no response from him yet. Disappointment creeps in, but she shakes it off, reminding herself that he might be busy with work.)
(Later that day, Aliza's mother enters her room.)
Mom: "Aliza, have you heard from Major Hamza?"
Aliza: (Shakes her head) "Not yet. His phone is out of reach. I left him a message."
Mom: "Hmm, maybe he's on duty somewhere remote."
Aliza: "Yeah, could be."
(Her mother places a reassuring hand on her shoulder.)
Mom: "Don't worry. Things will fall into place. Just give it time."
Aliza: (Nods) "I hope so."
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Scene 6
(A few days pass, and Aliza tries to immerse herself in family time and Aaliya's preparations for her exams. However, her thoughts frequently wander to Hamza. She finds herself checking her phone more often than usual, hoping for a message or call.)
(One evening, as Aliza is helping Aaliya with her studies, her phone buzzes. She glances at the screen and sees a message from Hamza.)
Hamza's Message:
"Hey, Aliza. Sorry for being unreachable. I was on a mission, and there was no signal where I was. I'll call you tonight."
(Relief washes over Aliza. She quickly types a response.)
Aliza's Reply:
"Glad to hear from you. Looking forward to your call."
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Scene 7
(That night, Aliza is lying on her bed, waiting for Hamza's call. Her phone rings, and she picks it up immediately.)
Hamza: "Assalam o Alekum, Aliza."
Aliza: "Walekum Assalam. Finally! I was beginning to think you disappeared."
Hamza: (Chuckles) "I'm sorry. Duty called, you know how it is."
Aliza: "I understand. But you missed quite a bit here."
Hamza: "I can't wait to hear all about it."
(They talk for a while, their conversation flowing naturally. Aliza feels more comfortable with Hamza than she expected.)
Aliza: "By the way, my mom wants to meet you and your parents."
Hamza: "I'd be honored to meet them. Let's arrange something soon."
Aliza: (Smiles) "Okay. I'll let her know."
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Scene 8
(The next day, Aliza informs her mother about Hamza's availability. They decide to set up a family meeting the following weekend. Aliza feels a mix of excitement and nervousness as the day approaches.)
(When the weekend arrives, Hamza and his parents come over for tea. The atmosphere is warm and cordial, with both families exchanging pleasantries and getting to know each other.)
Hamza's Father: "We've heard so much about your daughter. She seems like a wonderful young woman."
Aliza's Mom: (Smiling) "And we've heard good things about your son as well."
(Aliza and Hamza steal glances at each other throughout the meeting, their connection evident.)
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Scene 9
(Later that evening, after Hamza and his parents leave, Aliza sits with her mother, sipping tea.)
Mom: "He's a good man, Aliza. I can see why you like him."
Aliza: (Blushes) "Yeah, he is."
Mom: "I think this is going to work out just fine."
(Aliza leans back, feeling a sense of peace she hasn't felt in a long time. For the first time, everything seems to be falling into place.)
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End of Chapter