Scene 1: The Morning of the Message Exchange
Aliza wakes up with her phone buzzing on the bedside table. She rubs her eyes, half expecting some work notifications, but instead, it's from Hamza. The moment she reads the message, her heart skips a beat.
Hamza (text): "I love you, and I'm dying to meet your mom. Tell her I love you very much, and I will make you happy for the rest of your life."
A second message follows almost instantly.
Hamza (text): "OK, now tell me when I should come with my mom?"
Aliza stares at the screen, her cheeks warm. It feels surreal that this conversation is even happening. After a few moments of contemplation, she types a response.
Aliza (text): "I don't know yet. It's up to my mom. She will let you know when it's time."
She hits send and sighs, hugging her pillow. A part of her feels like everything is falling into place, yet there's an undercurrent of uncertainty that she can't quite shake.
---
Scene 2: A Mother's Call
A few days pass, and the anticipation builds. Aliza notices how her mother, Miss Muneerah, looks increasingly thoughtful, as if weighing many things in her mind. One afternoon, while Aliza is lounging in the living room, her mother finally decides it's time to contact Hamza.
Miss Muneerah picks up her phone and dials the number Aliza had provided.
Phone Call Attempt #1
The phone rings… and rings… but no one answers. Muneerah glances at Aliza, raising a brow.
Miss Muneerah: "He didn't pick up. Let's give him some time. Maybe he's on duty."
Aliza bites her lower lip, trying to hide her growing worry. She busies herself with a book, hoping her mother won't notice. But inside, unease simmers.
---
Scene 3: The Second Call
A few hours later, Miss Muneerah tries calling Hamza again. This time, the line clicks, and Hamza answers on the third ring.
Hamza (on the phone): "Hello..."
Miss Muneerah: "Assalam o Alekum, son. I'm Aliza's mother."
Hamza: "Oh! Walekum Assalam, Aunty! How are you?"
Miss Muneerah: "I'm fine, dear. How are you?"
Hamza: "I'm good, Alhamdulillah."
A brief silence lingers, and then Muneerah gently breaks it.
Miss Muneerah: "So, Aliza has told me about you. What's your plan for meeting?"
There's a pause on Hamza's end before he responds.
Hamza: "I'll talk to my parents and arrange a visit. Then I'll call you, Aunty."
Muneerah's voice carries a touch of surprise.
Miss Muneerah: "You haven't spoken to your parents yet?"
Hamza's breath catches for a second, and he answers cautiously.
Hamza: "No, Aunty, I mean… I have told them everything, but I haven't finalized anything yet."
Her tone sharpens slightly.
Miss Muneerah: "What exactly is holding things up?"
Hamza shifts uncomfortably, running a hand over his face. He knows this is important, but his mind is tangled in the demands of his military service.
Hamza: "I'm sorry, Aunty. I've been really busy with duty. But I'll make sure to arrange everything soon."
Muneerah lets out a small sigh, though she tries to mask her disappointment.
Miss Muneerah: "I understand, son. But don't keep us waiting too long. You know how girls' matters need careful planning."
Hamza nods on the other end, though she can't see it.
Hamza: "Yes, Aunty. I promise I'll take care of it soon."
They exchange a few more pleasantries, and the call ends. Muneerah places her phone on the table and glances at Aliza, who has been eavesdropping from the kitchen doorway.
Miss Muneerah: "Let's see how serious he is, my dear."
---
Scene 4: The Wait
Days pass in an anxious blur. Aliza can't focus on work, and every time her phone buzzes, her heart leaps, hoping it's Hamza with some news. But the updates are slow.
In the late evening, she sits on her bed, scrolling through Hamza's old messages, reading his promises over and over again. Finally, she sends him a voice message on WhatsApp.
Aliza (voice message): "Hamza, listen. My mom wants to meet you and your parents. I gave her your contact number. Please be available and contact me soon."
She presses send, exhaling deeply, and puts the phone aside. Sleep doesn't come easily that night, her mind tangled with questions.
---
Scene 5: Hamza's Response
The next morning, Aliza is awakened by her phone vibrating under her pillow. It's a message from Hamza. She fumbles with the phone, her heart racing.
Hamza (text): "Aliza, I love you, and I want to do everything right. I'll make sure to talk to my parents soon. You mean the world to me."
Tears well up in Aliza's eyes. She reads the message twice, and then again. The sincerity in his words feels like a warm embrace in the midst of her uncertainty.
---
Scene 6: Confessions and Decisions
Later that day, Aliza and her mother sit together on the terrace, sipping tea. The cool breeze carries the scent of jasmine from the garden below.
Miss Muneerah: "So, what do you think, Aliza?"
Aliza plays with the edge of her scarf, unsure how to put her feelings into words.
Aliza: "I… I think I love him, Mama. But love isn't enough, right? What if his parents don't agree? What if something goes wrong?"
Muneerah places a reassuring hand on her daughter's.
Miss Muneerah: "If he's serious about you, everything will fall into place. Have faith, my dear."
Aliza nods, though her heart still feels heavy.
---
Scene 7: The Unanswered Call
That night, Aliza tries calling Hamza again, hoping to hear his voice. The phone rings, but there's no answer. She tries once more.
Phone System: "The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable."
Aliza's heart sinks. She types a quick message on WhatsApp but gets no response. Frustrated, she leaves another voice message.
Aliza (voice message): "Hamza, I need to know what's going on. My mom is waiting. Please, just let me know if everything is okay."
She lies in bed, staring at the ceiling, sleep eluding her.
---
Scene 8: A Mother's Concern
The next morning, Muneerah notices Aliza's distant expression over breakfast.
Miss Muneerah: "Still no word from Hamza?"
Aliza shakes her head, trying to hide the worry etched on her face.
Miss Muneerah: "Don't let it get to you, my dear. If he truly loves you, he'll come through."
Aliza forces a smile, though her heart feels heavy with doubt.
---
Scene 9: A Sudden Change
Just as Aliza is about to give up hope, her phone buzzes with a new message. It's Hamza.
Hamza (text): "I'll talk to my parents tonight. We'll visit soon, Insha'Allah."
Relief floods Aliza's chest, and she replies immediately.
Aliza (text): "Okay, I'll let Mama know."
She puts the phone down and leans back against the pillows, feeling a flicker of hope reignite in her heart.
---
Scene 10: The Meeting of Families
The warm glow of the setting sun filters through the curtains as Hamza and his family arrive at Aliza's house. The air is thick with anticipation, a blend of nervousness and excitement. Hamza looks dashing in a crisp white kurta, walking beside his parents—his mother in a soft peach silk dupatta and his father in a dignified charcoal-colored shalwar kameez.
Aliza's mother, Miss Muneerah, warmly welcomes them at the door, greeting Hamza's parents with smiles and kind words.
Miss Muneerah: "Assalam o Alekum! Please come in. It's such a pleasure to finally meet you."
Hamza's Father: "Walekum Assalam. Thank you for having us. It's an honor to be here."
The families settle into the plush sofas in the living room. Polite small talk fills the space, laying the groundwork for what everyone knows is a significant moment.
---
Scene 11: Aliza and Aaliya Enter with the Tea Trolley
After a few minutes, the soft clink of porcelain announces Aliza's arrival. She walks in, carefully pushing a tea trolley laden with a silver tray of teacups, a steaming kettle, and a selection of snacks. Aaliya follows beside her, beaming as she offers a quick greeting.
Aaliya: "Assalam o Alekum! It's lovely to meet you all."
Hamza's Mother: "Walekum Assalam, dear! You must be Aaliya."
Aaliya nods with a polite smile and takes a seat on the sofa, smoothing the hem of her floral dress. Aliza offers greetings as well, her voice soft yet polite.
Aliza: "Assalam o Alekum."
Hamza's Father: "Walekum Assalam, beta."
With a composed smile, Aliza begins pouring tea into delicate cups, the fragrance of cardamom and freshly brewed tea filling the air. She serves Hamza first, who watches her with an admiring glint in his eyes, then moves on to his parents.
Hamza's Mother: "Thank you, beta. You're just as lovely as Hamza said."
Aliza lowers her gaze shyly, offering a small smile as she hands her mother a cup. Once everyone has their tea and snacks, she takes her seat beside Aaliya and her mother, folding her hands in her lap.
---
Scene 12: Conversations and Observations
The conversation flows smoothly at first. Hamza's mother asks about the family, and Miss Muneerah speaks warmly of Aliza's father, Usman, and how much she has cherished raising Aliza. Hamza's father nods with respectful sympathy at the mention of Usman's passing.
Hamza's Father: "May Allah grant him peace. Aliza has grown into a fine young woman, Muneerah Sahiba. I can tell."
Muneerah offers a grateful smile.
Miss Muneerah: "Thank you. I believe she'll be in good hands with Hamza."
Hamza's mother exchanges a meaningful look with her husband, who nods approvingly.
Hamza's Mother: "We've heard so much about Aliza from Hamza. He's been insistent that she's the one."
Hamza shifts slightly, clearing his throat but smiling at the subtle praise.
Hamza: "Well, I couldn't keep quiet about her, could I?"
Everyone laughs softly at Hamza's attempt to lighten the mood. Aaliya, sitting beside Aliza, nudges her friend playfully under the table, making her blush.
---
Scene 13: The Mother's Inquiry
As the tea cups empty and the snacks dwindle, the conversation takes on a more serious tone. Muneerah leans slightly forward, her eyes warm but discerning.
Miss Muneerah: "Hamza, my son, what are your intentions moving forward? I know both of you care deeply for each other, but these decisions are important for the future."
Hamza sits upright, his gaze steady and respectful.
Hamza: "Aunty, my intentions are sincere. I love Aliza, and I want to make her my wife. I've spoken to my parents, and they support us fully."
His mother gives a small nod, confirming his words.
Hamza's Mother: "Yes, we're here today because we see how happy Aliza makes him. We're ready to proceed as soon as you feel comfortable."
Miss Muneerah exchanges a glance with Aliza, who offers her mother a soft, reassuring smile. The atmosphere feels hopeful, a sense of unity beginning to form between the two families.
Miss Muneerah: "That's wonderful to hear. I want what's best for my daughter, and I believe that marriage is built on trust and respect. I see those qualities in Hamza."
Aliza feels a wave of warmth spread through her chest. She sneaks a quick glance at Hamza, who gives her a subtle, reassuring smile in return.
---
Scene 14: The Proposal's Next Steps
As the evening progresses, the conversation shifts towards wedding plans and timelines. Hamza's father suggests setting a formal engagement date soon, allowing both families enough time to prepare.
Hamza's Father: "If everything goes smoothly, we can set a date soon after the engagement. What do you think, Muneerah Sahiba?"
Muneerah nods thoughtfully.
Miss Muneerah: "That sounds reasonable. I'll consult with our close family and get back to you with suitable dates."
The families share a few more lighthearted moments, discussing wedding traditions and their mutual excitement.
Hamza's Mother: "I can already tell our families will get along wonderfully."
Aaliya (with a grin): "And I'll make sure Aliza looks stunning on her big day!"
Everyone chuckles at Aaliya's enthusiasm, and Aliza can't help but feel grateful for her friend's unwavering support.
---
Scene 15: A Moment Between Hamza and Aliza
As the meeting draws to a close, Hamza takes a brief moment to catch Aliza's attention while the parents chat among themselves.
Hamza (softly): "Thank you for today, Aliza. You've made everything perfect."
Aliza lowers her gaze, smiling.
Aliza: "I'm glad you're here, Hamza."
For a fleeting moment, their hands brush as they reach for the empty tea cups, sending a quiet spark between them. Aliza feels her heart flutter, knowing that this is just the beginning of their shared journey.
---
Scene 16: Departure and Promises
The evening wraps up smoothly. As Hamza and his parents prepare to leave, warm goodbyes are exchanged.
Hamza's Mother: "We look forward to seeing you all again soon."
Miss Muneerah: "Likewise. May Allah make everything easy for our children."
Hamza lingers a moment longer at the door, giving Aliza one last, meaningful glance before stepping out.
Hamza (softly): "I'll see you soon."
Aliza nods, her heart filled with a sense of peace she hasn't felt in a long time.
As the door closes behind them, Aliza returns to her mother and Aaliya, feeling the weight of the evening lift off her shoulders. The road ahead may have its challenges, but for the first time, everything feels possible.