Scene 1: City School – Senior Section Assembly Hall
Seven days had passed since the uneasy conversation in Maryam and Haroon's TV lounge. For Ubaid and Irfan, those days felt unusually long. Every morning they went to school with the same question echoing in their hearts: Will Abbu really allow us to go? Haroon's words—"We will talk later on this topic"—had neither closed the door nor opened it fully. It had left them suspended between hope and doubt.
That morning, the assembly hall of City School's senior section was buzzing with a strange mix of excitement and discipline. Rows of students sat neatly in their uniforms, whispering softly to one another. Some were talking about exams, others about cricket matches, but a large number of students were clearly restless for another reason altogether.
Ubaid nudged Irfan lightly with his elbow.
"Irfan," he whispered, leaning closer, "do you think today is the day?"
Irfan's eyes were fixed on the stage where the principal usually stood. He adjusted his tie nervously and whispered back, "I don't know, bhai. But everyone is saying Madam Haniya will announce something important today."
Before Ubaid could respond, the microphone crackled softly. The chatter in the hall slowly faded as teachers took their positions along the sides. A tall, graceful woman in a light pastel sari stepped onto the stage. Her posture was confident, her expression calm yet commanding.
"Students," announced the vice principal, "please welcome our respected principal, Mrs. Haniya Rehan."
A wave of polite applause filled the hall. Mrs. Haniya Rehan smiled gently, waited for silence, and then spoke in her clear, measured voice.
"Good morning, dear students."
"Good morning, ma'am," the hall responded in unison.
Mrs. Haniya glanced over her notes and then looked up again, her eyes scanning the hall. A faint smile appeared on her face, one that immediately set hearts racing.
"I know many of you have been waiting for this announcement," she said. "And yes, today I am here to formally announce the date of our annual school picnic."
The hall erupted into whispers and suppressed cheers. Teachers immediately gestured for silence, but even they could not hide their smiles.
"The picnic," Mrs. Haniya continued, "will be held on the 12th of next month."
Ubaid's heart jumped. He instinctively grabbed Irfan's arm.
"She said it," he whispered excitedly. "She actually said it!"
Irfan nodded, his face lighting up, but he quickly controlled himself, remembering where he was.
Mrs. Haniya raised her hand slightly, signaling for attention. "Now, please listen carefully. The picnic charges will be ten thousand rupees per student. This amount will cover transportation, meals, and activities."
Ubaid's excitement dimmed just a little. Ten thousand rupees was not a small amount. He glanced at Irfan, who seemed to be thinking the same thing.
But then the principal continued, "However," she paused deliberately, "for families with two or more siblings participating, the school is offering a special discount. Details can be discussed with the school administration."
A murmur of happiness spread across the hall.
Ubaid leaned closer to Irfan again. "Did you hear that? Discount!"
Irfan grinned. "Yes, bhai. This changes everything."
Mrs. Haniya concluded, "Students who wish to go must submit the charges within the given deadline. Please discuss this with your parents and coordinate with your class teachers or directly with the administration if needed."
With that, the assembly was dismissed. As students began filing out of the hall, the air was thick with excitement.
Scene 2: School Corridor – After Assembly
The corridors were unusually noisy as students excitedly discussed picnic plans—who would sit with whom on the bus, what snacks to bring, what games they would play.
Ubaid and Irfan walked side by side, their school bags hanging loosely on their shoulders.
"Irfan," Ubaid said, trying to sound calm but failing miserably, "we have to tell Abbu today."
Irfan nodded eagerly. "Yes. And now we have proper information—date, charges, and discount. Abbu will listen."
Ubaid sighed. "I hope so. Last time he just said we'd talk later."
"This time will be different," Irfan replied confidently. "Mama also told us to talk to Abbu. And now it's official."
As they reached their classroom, both brothers silently prayed that the evening conversation would go in their favor.
Scene 3: Maryam's Home – Afternoon
The house was quiet in the afternoon. Maryam was in the kitchen, preparing tea, while Haroon sat in his study, going through some office files.
The front door opened, and the familiar sound of school shoes echoed through the hallway.
"Mama!" Ubaid called out excitedly.
Maryam stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "You're back already? How was school?"
Before she could say anything else, Irfan blurted out, "Mama, the picnic date is announced!"
Maryam raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh? Really?"
"Yes!" Ubaid said eagerly. "It's on the 12th of next month. And the charges are ten thousand per student, but—" he paused for dramatic effect, "—there's a discount for siblings!"
Maryam smiled, amused by their enthusiasm. "That sounds exciting. Have you told your Abbu yet?"
Ubaid shook his head. "Not yet. He's in his study."
Maryam nodded thoughtfully. "Then you should talk to him properly. Calmly. Explain everything."
Irfan straightened his shoulders. "We will, Mama."
Maryam smiled warmly. "Good. Go wash your hands first. Then talk to him."
Scene 4: Haroon's Study – Evening Conversation
Haroon looked up from his papers as he heard a gentle knock on the door.
"Yes?" he said.
The door opened slowly, and Ubaid and Irfan stepped in, standing side by side.
Haroon leaned back in his chair, observing them closely. "You both look serious. What is it?"
Ubaid took a deep breath. "Abbu, today our principal announced the school picnic."
Haroon nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.
Irfan added, "It's on the 12th of next month. The charges are ten thousand rupees per student, but the school is offering a discount for siblings."
Haroon remained silent for a few seconds, his expression unreadable. The boys exchanged nervous glances.
Finally, Haroon spoke. "And you both want to go."
"Yes, Abbu," they said together.
Haroon sighed softly and removed his glasses, placing them on the table. "You know, picnics are fun, but they also require responsibility. Safety, expenses, discipline—all of these matter."
Ubaid nodded quickly. "We understand, Abbu. We will be careful."
Irfan added, "And we will follow all rules."
Haroon looked at their eager faces, then smiled faintly. "Alright."
The boys froze.
"Tomorrow morning," Haroon continued, "you will talk to your principal or the school administration and find out exactly how much discount will apply for siblings."
Ubaid's eyes widened. "Does that mean…?"
"Yes," Haroon said calmly. "You both have my permission."
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then—
"Thank you, Abbu!" Ubaid exclaimed.
"Thank you, thank you!" Irfan added, practically bouncing on his feet.
Haroon chuckled. "Alright, alright. Enough excitement. Go tell your mother."
Scene 5: Living Room – Celebration
The boys rushed out of the study and nearly collided with Maryam, who was waiting anxiously outside.
"Well?" she asked.
"He said yes!" Ubaid announced.
Maryam's face lit up. "Alhamdulillah. I'm happy for you both."
Irfan grinned widely. "Mama, we'll talk to the principal tomorrow morning."
Maryam nodded. "Good. Now go do your homework first. Celebration can wait."
They laughed and ran off toward their rooms.
Scene 6: Night – Brothers' Bedroom
Later that night, Ubaid and Irfan lay in their beds, the lights dimmed, the room filled with a peaceful silence.
"Irfan," Ubaid said softly, staring at the ceiling, "I still can't believe Abbu agreed."
Irfan turned on his side. "I knew he would. He just wanted us to be responsible."
Ubaid smiled. "I'm glad we're going together."
"Me too," Irfan replied. "It'll be fun. Nathiya Gali… I've seen pictures. It looks beautiful."
Ubaid closed his eyes, a contented smile on his face. "Tomorrow, we'll find out about the discount."
Irfan yawned. "Yes. And then we'll start counting days."
Slowly, their voices faded, replaced by steady breathing. The uncertainty that had haunted them for days was finally gone, replaced by excitement, relief, and dreams of a picnic yet to come.