A Few Days Later
Aliza spotted a handsome man in a Pakistan Army uniform—Major Hamza Siddiqui. Drawn to him, she wanted to meet him. Little did she know that fate had already intertwined their paths; he was assigned to meet none other than her, Miss Aliza Usman Khan. While he knew of her, he didn't know her position.
Later That Day
Major Hamza approached Aliza to discuss a project briefly. After the briefing, he asked, "Would you like to join me for dinner at Royale Cuisine Restaurant tonight?"
Aliza hesitated. "Wait… you didn't mention a restaurant before."
"Okay, my mistake. But now I'm inviting you," he replied with a smile.
"Let's see," Aliza said, her tone teasing.
"What do you mean by 'let's see'?" he asked, puzzled.
"I mean I'm not sure if I'm coming," she said, a playful challenge in her voice.
After hanging up, Major Hamza sighed, "How hard it is to convince these girls."
At Dinner, Royal Cuisine Restaurant, 8 PM
Major Hamza waited, anticipation building. Half an hour later, Aliza arrived in a stunning pink dress, adorned with golden jewelry. She was breathtaking.
"Assalam o Alaikum," she greeted, taking a seat.
"Walekum Assalam," he stammered, still mesmerized.
"Are you lost, or do I just look that beautiful?" Aliza teased.
"I was just thinking…" he started but she interrupted.
"What were you thinking?"
"Forget it!" he replied, embarrassed.
"Come on, you have to explain, mister."
"Can I order dinner first?" he suggested, trying to change the subject.
"Have you left the Pakistan Army?" Aliza joked.
"Allah ho Akbar, I didn't mean that. I meant I'm calling the waiter."
"Sure," she laughed.
As the waiter took their orders, they engaged in light chit-chat.
"This place is nice," Aliza commented.
"Oh really? How do I know if you don't tell me?" Major Hamza smirked.
"It's your turn to say something," she countered.
"I want to take you with me for a lifetime," he blurted.
"Mmmm! What did you say? I didn't hear you properly," she replied, intrigued.
"I know you heard me," he said, teasingly.
"Sorry, I still didn't hear properly," she persisted.
"So, what are your hobbies?" he changed the topic.
"Right now, my job is my hobby," she replied.
"No, I mean before your job. What did you enjoy?" he pressed.
"Reading, movies, traveling, hanging out with friends, and teaching my little sister, Aaliya," she shared.
"What do you mean by that?" Major Hamza inquired.
"Aaliya has a knack for getting into trouble with her studies, and I often scold her," she explained.
"You enjoy teaching her because you scold her?" he asked, amused.
"Not scolding—her mishaps," she clarified.
"Really? You like her mishaps?" he laughed.
"Yeah, only hers. Not everyone's!" she added, giggling.
"Do you think I'm going to create a mishap?" he joked.
"No, thank God!" she replied, relieved. "So, what's the plan?"
"The plan is to have dinner, and then we'll go back to our places," he said simply.
"Just that?" she asked.
"Yes, for now. Shall we eat?" he proposed.
"Sure, I'm quite hungry," she admitted.
As they enjoyed their meal, Major Hamza suddenly said, "Mmmhmm! This is for you."
"What is this?" Aliza asked, confused.
"A beautiful ring for a beautiful lady," he said, smiling.
"Are you in a hurry?" she teased.
"If we have something to do, we get it done quickly," he replied, serious.
"Do you think love is like work?" she asked.
"No, love isn't work. I'm sharing my feelings with you," he replied, his gaze sincere.
The ring sat on the table, and Aliza hesitated. "It's not just my decision. You'll have to ask my mom and Aaliya."
"So, you're agreeing to marry me?" he probed.
"Hello! It's just a ring. You're not proposing," she replied, blushing.
"It's love at first sight. When I saw you at the hospital with your injured friends, I felt a connection. I remembered seeing you before, and it all clicked," he confessed.
"Thank you, but it's my job," she said, blushing.
"Mmmm! I have to go. I'm tired and running late," she said, standing.
"Okay, I'll wait for your answer," he said, hopeful.
As Aliza left the restaurant and drove back to her hostel, her thoughts swirled around the evening's events.
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The Next Morning
Aliza woke early, her mind occupied with thoughts of Major Hamza's proposal. Her phone rang—it was her mother. She picked up.
"Hello! Aliza, can you hear me?" her mom's voice crackled.
"Yes, Mom. I can hear you clearly now. What's up?"
"I wanted to remind you that Aaliya's final exams are next week. Can you come home?" her mom asked.
"I'll try, but I might be busy with a new project," Aliza replied.
"Okay, but she'll miss you."
"I know," Aliza said, a pang of guilt hitting her.
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A Few Days Later
Aliza returned home. Aaliya and her mom picked her up from the airport. On the way, Aaliya bombarded her with questions.
"How are you? How many days off do you have?" Aaliya fired away.
"Have you asked all your questions yet? Just calm down; I'll be here for 15 days," their mom interjected.
"Aapi, you're only here for 15 days? I'm not happy!" Aaliya pouted.
During her stay, Aliza confided in her mother and sister about Major Hamza.
"Mom, I want to tell you something," Aliza started, nervous.
"Yes, dear. Speak up," her mom encouraged.
"Mom… you know Major Hamza?"
"Major Hamza who?" her mom asked, puzzled.
"The one who saved us after the accident," Aliza clarified.
"Oh! Yes. What happened to him?" her mom probed.
"He proposed to me for marriage," Aliza confessed.
"What? He's proposing to you?" her mom exclaimed.
"Yes, Mom," Aliza replied, biting her lip.
"(Thinking) Okay, tell him I want to meet his parents," her mom decided.
"I'll tell him," Aliza promised.
"Listen, it's not good for you to tell him directly. Give me his number; I'll talk to him," her mom insisted.
"Okay, Mom. I'll give it to you," Aliza said, handing over Major Hamza's contact.
"When will you call him?" Aliza asked.
"Don't worry; I'll talk to him and also try to meet his parents," her mom assured her.
Aliza retreated to her room, picking up her phone to call Hamza. When she dialed, she heard a message: "Your desired number is out of reach." Concern crept in.
A few hours later, she tried again, only to hear the same message. Worried, she left a voice message on Hamza's WhatsApp:
"Hamza, listen. My mom wants to meet you and your parents. I gave her your number. Please be online and contact me."
With that, she settled in for the night, her thoughts lingering on Hamza and what the future might hold.
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Here's how you can develop the next parts of this chapter. Let's build tension around the marriage, integrate Hamza's presence more smoothly, and include moments of bonding or potential conflict among the family members and between Aliza and Hamza.
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AFTER DINNER DISCUSSION
(Aliza and her mother sit in the lounge after everyone goes to bed. Aliza's mom brings up Hamza's family and the wedding plans.)
Mom: "So, what are you thinking, dear? Everything seems on track, right?"
Aliza: (smiling) "I think so, but you know I'm still nervous."
Mom: "That's normal, Aliza. But Hamza seems like a good man. And he's already willing to make you a priority, despite his duty."
Aliza: "Yeah, he is. I just hope everything goes smoothly with his parents."
Mom: "It will, insha'Allah. We'll meet them soon, and I've already started looking into some wedding arrangements."
(They sip their tea quietly for a while. Then her mom gently adds.)
Mom: "By the way, there's one thing you should keep in mind."
Aliza: "What's that?"
Mom: "It's a lot to balance—love, career, and responsibilities. Just remember to take things one step at a time, okay?"
(Aliza smiles and nods.)
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A PHONE CALL FROM MAJOR HAMZA
(The next day, while Aliza is relaxing in her room, her phone rings. It's Hamza calling.)
Hamza: "Assalam o Alekum, Aliza."
Aliza: "Walekum Assalam, Hamza. How are you?"
Hamza: "Good, Aliza. I was just thinking about you."
(There's a moment of silence, filled with the warmth of their connection.)
Hamza: "So, have your vacations started?"
Aliza: "Yes! I just arrived home yesterday."
Hamza: "That's great. I wanted to ask—can I come with my mom tomorrow?"
Aliza: "Already?" (She laughs nervously.)
Hamza: "Yeah. I don't want to waste time. What do you think?"
Aliza: "I'll talk to my mom and let you know. But Hamza, don't rush too much. It's a lot for everyone to process."
Hamza: (playfully) "I'm not rushing. I'm just making sure I don't lose you."
(They both laugh, and Aliza promises to get back to him soon.)
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PREPARATIONS FOR MEETING HAMZA'S FAMILY
(The next morning, Aliza talks with her mom about Hamza's call.)
Aliza: "Mama, Hamza asked if they could come tomorrow."
Mom: (thinking for a moment) "That's fine. But we'll need to get everything ready quickly."
(They decide to tidy up the house and prepare a small meal for Hamza's family. Aaliya, ever-excited, offers to help.)
Aaliya: "Aapi, I'll handle the decorations! And I'll make some chai."
Aliza: (teasing) "Let's hope you don't serve it cold."
Aaliya: "Hey! I'll make the best chai. You'll see!"
(Everyone spends the day preparing for the important meeting.)
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THE MEETING DAY: A TENSE INTRODUCTION
(The next afternoon, Major Hamza and his mother arrive at Aliza's home. They're warmly welcomed, but there's a subtle tension as everyone is anxious about the first meeting.)
(Hamza's mother is graceful but observant. She glances at the home décor, silently evaluating everything. Aliza's mother remains calm and composed, trying to make the guests comfortable.)
Hamza's Mother: "Your home is beautiful, MashAllah."
Mom: (smiling) "Thank you so much. We're glad to finally meet you."
(Aliza and Hamza exchange subtle glances, feeling relieved to see each other again, but also trying not to attract too much attention.)
(Aaliya suddenly appears with a tray of chai, grinning from ear to ear.)
Aaliya: "Here's the chai! I made it myself."
(Everyone chuckles at her enthusiasm, and Hamza's mother takes a sip.)
Hamza's Mother: (pleasantly surprised) "This is wonderful. You've done a great job, young lady."
Aaliya: (beaming) "See, Aapi? I told you I could do it!"
(The initial conversation flows easily, but as the discussions progress toward marriage, there's a noticeable shift in tone.)
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THE CRUCIAL MOMENT
(Hamza's mother leans forward, addressing Aliza's mom directly.)
Hamza's Mother: "We've heard so much about your daughter, and I must say, we're impressed. But, there's one thing I'd like to know—how will Aliza manage her career and family life together?"
(A slight pause fills the room. Aliza feels the weight of the question, but her mother answers calmly.)
Mom: "Aliza has always been capable of balancing her responsibilities. I believe she'll handle this phase of her life with the same dedication she's shown in her career."
(Hamza, sensing Aliza's discomfort, quickly intervenes.)
Hamza: "Aunty, I want Aliza to pursue her dreams. We'll figure everything out together."
(His mother gives a small nod, seemingly satisfied, though it's clear she's still cautious.)
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A PRIVATE MOMENT BETWEEN ALIZA AND HAMZA
(After the meeting, Aliza walks Hamza and his mother to the door. Before he leaves, Hamza pulls Aliza aside for a brief moment.)
Hamza: "Everything went well, don't you think?"
Aliza: (smiling softly) "I hope so. But your mother seems a bit... unsure."
Hamza: "Don't worry. She'll come around. And even if she doesn't, I'm with you. Always."
(Aliza feels reassured by his words and smiles.)
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AALIYA'S MISCHIEF
(Back inside the house, Aaliya can't resist teasing Aliza.)
Aaliya: "So, Aapi, when's the wedding? Should I start planning my outfit?"
Aliza: (laughing) "Slow down, kid! We're not there yet."
Aaliya: "Come on, I can't wait! I already have the perfect song for your entrance."
(They laugh together, and their mother watches them fondly, grateful to see her daughters happy.)
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CLOSING SCENE: A QUIET NIGHT
(That night, Aliza sits on her bed, scrolling through her phone. She opens a message from Hamza.)
Hamza's Message:
"I'm grateful for today. I know this is just the beginning, but I promise to stand by you every step of the way. Sweet dreams, Aliza."
(Aliza smiles, feeling a warmth she hasn't felt in a long time. She knows there will be challenges ahead, but for the first time in a while, everything feels right.)
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