**Scene 1: The Morning of the Nikkah** *(Location: Maryam's Home – 10:00 AM)*
The scent of rosewater and frying samosas filled the small house. Maryam sat in her childhood bedroom, her mother's yellowed lace *shalwar kameez* spread across her lap. The embroidery had faded, the threads loosened with age, but the delicate floral patterns still held their beauty.
Her younger cousin, Sana, held up a hand mirror. *"Dekho, kitni khoobsurat lag rahi ho!"* *Look how beautiful you are!*
Maryam touched the small *tikka* on her forehead—her only piece of jewelry besides the thin silver bangles her mother had left her. *"Itna simple sajawat?"* *Such simple adornment?*
Sana grinned. *"Haroon Sahab ke liye toh aap kaagaz ke kapde pehen ke bhi khoobsurat lagengi."* *For Haroon, you'd look beautiful even in paper clothes.*
A knock at the door. Maryam's father, Rahman, stood outside, his eyes glistening. *"Beta, molvi sahib aa gaye hain."* *Daughter, the cleric has arrived.*
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**Scene 2: The Nikkah Ceremony** *(Location: Courtyard – 11:00 AM)*
Haroon stood stiffly in a borrowed black *sherwani*, the sleeves slightly too long. His best friend, Inspector Raza, nudged him. *"Saansein toh le lo, shaadi ho rahi hai, phaansi nahi."* *Breathe, it's a wedding, not a hanging.*
The small gathering—barely twenty guests—sat on rented plastic chairs. The cleric adjusted his glasses and began reciting the *khutba*.
*"Mehr ki raqam?"* the cleric asked. *Dower amount?*
Haroon cleared his throat. *"Pachaas hazaar."* *Fifty thousand.*
A murmur ran through the crowd. It was more than expected for a man of his modest salary.
Maryam, seated across from him behind a sheer *dupatta*, spoke softly. *"Pachaas hazaar aur… Ghalib ki kitaab."* *Fifty thousand… and Ghalib's book.*
Haroon blinked. The same *Ghalib's Letters* he'd bought months ago—their first shared secret.
Rahman chuckled. *"Yeh mehr sabse mehengi hogi."* *This will be the most expensive dower.*
The cleric continued. *"Qabool hai?"* *Do you accept?*
*"Qabool hai,"* Haroon said, his voice steady.
Maryam's answer was a whisper. *"Qabool hai."*
The guests erupted in *"Mubarak ho!"* as the papers were signed.
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**Scene 3: The Wedding Lunch** *(Location: Courtyard – 12:00 PM)*
Steel plates clinked as guests lined up for *biryani*. Haroon's mother, a frail woman in a faded *sari*, piled Maryam's plate with extra *raita*.
*"Beta, thoda aur le lo,"* she fretted. *Take some more.*
Maryam smiled. *"Shukriya, Ammi."*
Haroon's mother froze at the title—*Ammi*—then hugged her fiercely.
At the head of the table, Rahman sipped *sherbet*, watching Haroon. *"Tumhari maa ne bataya, tumne apni savings mehr mein de di?"* *Your mother says you gave your savings as dower?*
Haroon shrugged. *"Koi baat nahi. Wapis mil jayegi."* *No matter. I'll earn it back.*
Rahman leaned closer. *"Meri beti ko kabhi mat rulana."* *Never make my daughter cry.*
Before Haroon could answer, Raza dragged him away for photos. *"Aaja, hero ban na hai!"* *Come on, let's make you a hero!*
Maryam was pulled into a circle of aunties clucking over her *shalwar*. *"Itna simple kapda? Humare zamanay mein toh..."* *In our day...*
She caught Haroon's eye across the courtyard. He mouthed: *"Chhupke nach lenge?"* *Shall we sneak a dance?*
Maryam rolled her eyes but smiled.
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**Scene 4: The Rukhsati – Farewell** *(Location: Front Door – 1:00 PM)*
The sun blazed overhead as Maryam stood at the threshold, her small suitcase packed with books and a single *shahtoosh shawl*—her father's gift.
Rahman placed a hand on her head. *"Allah tum dono ko khush rakhe."* *May God keep you both happy.* His voice cracked.
Maryam knelt to touch his feet. *"Dua mein yaad rakhna."* *Remember me in your prayers.*
Haroon shifted awkwardly, then bowed. *"Main inaam utha raha hoon, sahab."* *I'm taking away your prize, sir.*
Rahman snorted. *"Wapis lauta dena agar kharab nikli."* *Return her if she's defective.*
Maryam swatted her father's arm, laughing through tears.
The rented Suzuki Mehran idled at the curb, garlanded with marigolds. As Haroon opened the door, Maryam hesitated, glancing back at the blue door of her childhood.
Haroon whispered: *"Woh kitaab… Ghalib ki… main sambhal ke laya hoon."* *I brought the Ghalib book safely.*
Maryam stepped into the car.
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**Scene 5: The First Night** *(Location: Haroon's Apartment – Evening)*
The one-room flat was spotless—Haroon had scrubbed every inch. A single *diya* flickered beside their bed, which was really just a *charpai* with fresh sheets.
Maryam ran a finger over the peeling paint. *"Yahin rahoge?"* *You live here?*
Haroon rubbed his neck. *"Haan… ab *tumhare* saath."* *Yes… now with *you*.*
She set down her suitcase and opened it. Inside, atop folded clothes, lay *Ghalib's Letters*.
*"Mehr ki kitaab,"* she said solemnly, then giggled.
Haroon groaned. *"Ab tum hamesha yeh yaad dilati rahogi?"* *Will you always remind me?*
Maryam stepped closer, the lace of her *shalwar* brushing his borrowed *sherwani*. *"Haan. Jab bhi tum gusse wali aankhein karoge."* *Yes. Every time you make angry eyes.*
Outside, the *muezzin* began the *Maghrib* call to prayer.
Haroon cupped her face. *"Pehle dua karte hain."* *Let's pray first.*
Maryam nodded.
They knelt side by side on the lone prayer mat, shoulders touching, as the last light of their wedding day faded.
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