**Scene 1: A Sister's Request – Abbu's Call**
Sunlight streamed through the large windows of Maryam's childhood home, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Rimsha, radiating the palpable relief of someone who had just flung her last Intermediate exam paper behind her, bounced on the balls of her feet in front of her father.
**Rimsha (pleadingly):** "Abbu, please? It's just till the baby comes! Think about it – Baji's in her last month, Haroon Bhai is at work all day, and I can be there! I can help her move around, make her healthy snacks from Dr. Samina's chart, keep her company, maybe even help with the nursery... Please, Abbu? I promise I won't be a nuisance!" Her eyes were wide with earnest enthusiasm.
Abbu looked at his youngest daughter, her energy infectious. He knew Maryam cherished Rimsha, and the thought of his heavily pregnant daughter having constant companionship, especially with the vigilant Haroon away, held undeniable appeal.
**Abbu (smiling indulgently):** "Calm down, beta. It's a kind thought. But we must ask them first. It's their home, and Maryam's comfort is paramount, especially now." He reached for his phone. "Let me call Maryam."
He dialled, the familiar ringtone echoing in the quiet living room. Maryam picked up after a few rings, her voice warm but carrying the slight breathlessness of late pregnancy.
**Maryam:** "Assalamu Alaikum, Abbu! How are you?"
**Abbu:** "Walaikum Assalam, beta. Alhamdulillah, we're well. Rimsha just finished her last exam, bursting with energy and a proposal."
**Maryam (curious):** "A proposal? What kind?"
**Abbu:** "She wants to come stay with you. Until the baby arrives. To help you, keep you company while Haroon is at work. She's practically vibrating with the idea." He chuckled softly. "What do you think, beta? Is it something you'd like?"
There was a pause on the line. Maryam pictured Rimsha's eager face, the whirlwind of energy she could be, but also the genuine sweetness and the comfort of having her sister close during these final, often tiring and sometimes anxious weeks.
**Maryam (carefully):** "Oh, Abbu... that's... really sweet of Rimsha. And it *would* be lovely to have her. But," she added, her voice softening with habitual consideration, "first, I should ask Haroon. I'll talk to him tonight and call you back first thing tomorrow morning, insha'Allah. Is that alright? Tell Rimsha thank you for thinking of me, and I'll let her know soon."
**Abbu (nodding, though she couldn't see):** "Of course, beta. That's perfectly sensible. We'll wait for your call tomorrow. Rimsha will be perched by the phone, I'm sure. Take care, Maryam. Get some rest."
**Maryam:** "You too, Abbu. Khuda Hafiz."
**Scene 2: Evening Consultation – A Shared Decision**
The quiet intimacy of their post-dinner routine settled over Haroon and Maryam. They sat in the living room, Maryam with her feet elevated on an ottoman, sipping warm milk, while Haroon scanned a report. The soft glow of the table lamp cast warm shadows. Maryam placed her glass down.
**Maryam:** "Haroon, Abbu called this morning."
**Haroon (looking up, instantly attentive):** "Everything alright?"
**Maryam (smiling):** "Yes, alhamdulillah. Rimsha finished her exams today."
**Haroon:** "Ah, freedom! I remember that feeling. She must be thrilled."
**Maryam:** "Thrilled, and full of a plan. She asked Abbu if she could come stay here. With us. Until the baby comes. To help me during the day, keep me company."
**Haroon (leaning back, considering):** "Hmm. Rimsha wants to be your live-in helper?"
Maryam watched his face, gauging his reaction. "Abbu said she's very keen. She wants to help me move around, make snacks, keep me company... basically be my support squad while you're holding down the fort at work."
Haroon was silent for a moment, turning the idea over. He pictured Rimsha – sometimes exuberant, sometimes surprisingly thoughtful, always fiercely loyal to Maryam. He thought of Maryam alone in the house during the long days, especially now in the final, physically demanding stretch of pregnancy and during Ramadan. He thought of the sheer practicality of having another pair of hands, someone to fetch water, fluff pillows, or simply distract Maryam if she felt anxious.
**Haroon (slowly, a thoughtful smile spreading):** "You know... it's actually not a bad idea, Maryam." He met her eyes. "This is entirely your choice. If you feel comfortable having her here, if you think her presence will be helpful and restful for you, not stressful, then you should absolutely say yes." He paused, his expression sincere. "Personally, I think it *is* good. For you. I worry about you being alone so much now, especially with the heat and Ramadan. Having Rimsha here... it would ease my mind significantly when I'm at the office. She adores you, she's young and energetic, and honestly? She might actually be useful with Dr. Samina's food chart – she loves puttering in the kitchen." He reached over and took her hand. "So, meri jaan, if you *want* her here, call Abbu tomorrow and tell him to send her."
Maryam felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her. His support was immediate and practical, focused solely on her wellbeing. The slight apprehension she'd felt about imposing vanished.
**Maryam (squeezing his hand, her eyes shining):** "I do want her. I think it would be wonderful. Having her chatter, her help... yes. I'll call Abbu first thing."
**Haroon (leaning in to kiss her forehead):** "Perfect. It'll be good for both my girls." He gently patted her bump. "And maybe our little man will get used to his auntie's voice too."
**Scene 3: The Arrival of Sunshine – Rimsha Moves In**
True to her word, Maryam called Abbu early the next morning. The excited squeal Maryam heard faintly in the background when Abbu relayed the 'yes' told her all she needed to know about Rimsha's reaction.
Later that same day, as the late afternoon sun began to cast long shadows, the doorbell chimed. Maryam, who had been resting on the sofa with a book, carefully eased herself up. Haroon, home slightly early, beat her to the door.
He opened it to find Rimsha standing there, beaming like a small sun, flanked by two slightly overstuffed duffel bags. Abbu stood beside her, a fond, slightly weary expression on his face.
**Rimsha (bursting in before anyone could speak):** "Baji! Haroon Bhai! I'm here! Reporting for duty!" She threw her arms around Maryam with careful exuberance, mindful of the bump. "Oh, look at you! You're even more beautiful! How are you feeling? Did the baby kick today? Did you eat your almonds? I brought my notes on healthy Ramadan snacks!"
Maryam laughed, hugging her sister back, the familiar scent of Rimsha's floral shampoo filling her senses. "Assalamu Alaikum, whirlwind! I'm good, alhamdulillah. Yes, he kicked. Yes, almonds consumed. And breathe, Rimsha!"
**Abbu (smiling, shaking Haroon's hand):** "Walaikum Assalam. Here she is. Handle with care – she's running on pure post-exam euphoria and sisterly devotion."
**Haroon (grinning, helping Abbu with the bags):** "Welcome, Rimsha. We're glad to have you. And thank you for bringing her, Abbu. Come in, please."
**Rimsha (already surveying the living room):** "Oh, this is so cozy! Perfect for nesting! Where should I put my stuff, Baji? Can I see the nursery? Did you decide on names? Haroon Bhai, did you see the new baby clothes designs online? I found the cutest organic cotton onesies..." She was a flurry of motion and questions.
Maryam exchanged an amused, affectionate look with Haroon. He gave her a small, reassuring nod, his eyes saying, *See? Sunshine.*
**Maryam (steering Rimsha gently):** "Slow down, choti! Let's get your bags to the guest room first. Then you can interrogate us and inspect everything." She linked her arm through Rimsha's. "Abbu, chai?"
**Abbu:** "That sounds perfect, beta."
As Abbu settled into an armchair, Haroon carried the bags down the hall, and Maryam led Rimsha towards the guest room, the house instantly felt fuller, warmer, and buzzing with a new, youthful energy. Rimsha's chatter filled the spaces Haroon's quiet presence and Maryam's current need for calm couldn't. It was the comforting, slightly chaotic presence of family, a promise of shared burdens and doubled joys in the precious, final countdown. The support squad had officially arrived.