7 o’clock in the evening, Iqbal Mansion, Living room


Sarah is waiting for her father in the living room. (The room is spacious, displaying a combination of black furniture and light grey walls. Adorned with mighty black couches, amphora on the table. One side of the room has volute staircase and the other links the living room with the kitchen. While, one of the remaining two walls, is decorated with Arabic calligraphy paintings, and the other has a ravishing bookcase. Moreover, everything is just magnificent.) When something strikes in her mind.

Sarah: (in mind) O no. No no no. Please God. What is happening with me? I already have one problem and now this one. Nooooo. I’m waiting for Dad so that I can tell him about the event. But if during the event he will see boss behaving rude with me….no…I cannot even imagine what he will do.

She is unconsciously making faces while thinking, when Mr. Iqbal enters the living room. Having a loving glance over her daughter, he notices her expressions. Mr. Iqbal is just like a coconut, firm outer surface, bland from inside. He is a successful businessman as well as a prosperous family man. He loves his daughter the most, in the whole world. Mr. Iqbal cannot tolerate Sarah being unhappy, even for a moment. So, he directly goes towards her.

Mr. Iqbal: Sarah! My love! What is troubling you? Tell me. Why are you looking anxious?

Sarah: (nervous but happy to see her father. She almost shouts and runs towards him) Daadddd!! (hugging) You are finally here. I’ve been waiting for you for so long. Why are you late today? It’s not your usual timing.

She was throwing question upon question when interrupted by Mr. Iqbal.

Mr. Iqbal: It means I was right. Tell me fast what is troubling you?

Sarah: (still confused, whether to tell him everything or not and the fear of his reaction) Nnnothing. Nothing much.

Mr. Iqbal: (breaking the hug and cupping her cheeks in his hands) Yes right. I’m your father young lady. You very well know you cannot hide anything from me. You only stutter when you hesitate discussing something with me.

Meanwhile Mrs. Hayat comes downstairs, watching the father daughter duo. But she decides not to disturb them knowing the topic of conversation and goes towards the kitchen. She orders the chef to prepare tea and snacks and send them out.

Sarah: (starts speaking broken sentences) Actually. Dad! The thing is that. Uhhh....

Mr. Iqbal: Speak up my love.
Sarah: (she utters in one go) Dad you have given the contract for your upcoming event to “The Shahnawaz”. And I think you have completely forgotten that I have started working for the same company. (again abrupt sentences) How can I? How will you? I mean….

Mr. Iqbal: That’s it?

Sarah: (confusingly) Mean?

Mr. Iqbal: I mean. What is the problem in that?

Sarah: You don’t have any problem in that?

Mr. Iqbal: (lovingly caressing her cheeks) No. Not at all. That is your professional life. You are mature enough to take decisions for yourself. It is true that I always want your good, but at the same time I know that your mother and I have trained you enough. You can face the difficulties of your life on your own now. And do not worry for what I will think? Or how will I response to certain things. You are aware of the fact that I keep my personal and professional life separate. Fit one thing in your mind. Your parents are always by your side.

Sarah: (hugs her father, with tears rolling down her eyes) I love you Dad. I really do. You have no idea, to what extent you have lightened my burden. Thank you so much Dad.

Mr. Iqbal: (whipping her tears) And you’re doing the same thing I hate the most.

Sarah: Oops! (while holding her ears) Sorry Dad. I just got emotional.

Mr. Iqbal: Now promise me one thing. You will never cry, and render to the situation. No one can defeat you, until you give in. And from now you will not hesitate to share anything about your job with me. Is that clear?
Sarah: I promise you Dad. I will never surrender to circumstances. I’ll fight till the win. And I’ll share everything with you. Happy now?

Mr. Iqbal: (smiling on the statement) Good girl.

Mrs. Hayat, who was witnessing the whole emotional scene with tears in her eyes, comes near them.

Mrs. Hayat: (cleaning her eyes) I’m feeling left out.

All of them laugh out loud and group hug each other. The tea has arrived. Three of them enjoy chitchatting over the tea and discussing about random things. One hour goes by. The dinner is almost ready. Mr. Iqbal moves towards his room to change. Later he joins his small but perfect family for the dinner. Sarah, for once, thinks of the second problem she is facing. But her optimism takes over her insecurities and she decides to leave everything on time. Everyone enjoys the meal and make their ways to their rooms to finally call it a night. Sarah sleeps with the believe, that everything that happens, happens for the best. And what has to happen, it will not stop. So, in place of worrying for future, why not to make the present perfect.