**Scene 1: The Fourth Month Begins**
The first week of Maryam's fourth month of pregnancy arrived with a sense of calm excitement in the house. Her face glowed more than ever, her laughter lighter and her movements slower, more deliberate. Haroon noticed every detail. It was a chilly Friday morning when he found her wrapped in a shawl, sipping warm milk on the balcony.
"Tum theek ho na, Maryam?" Haroon asked as he stepped closer, his police uniform crisp and ready for the day.
Maryam smiled. "Main bilkul theek hoon, Haroon. Doctor ne kaha hai sab kuch normal chal raha hai."
Haroon reached out and touched her stomach gently, his eyes soft. "Hamari zindagi mein ek nayi roshni aane wali hai. Yeh waqt mere liye sabse zyada mayani rakhta hai."
**Scene 2: Family Reaction**
Later that evening, they decided to visit Maryam's father to share more about the pregnancy. Maryam wore a soft lilac-colored kameez while Haroon opted for his off-duty casual white kurta. Her father, an old retired teacher, greeted them warmly.
"Abba jaan," Maryam began, holding her father's hand, "Do maheenay ho gaye hain... aur sab kuch theek chal raha hai."
A wide grin formed on his wrinkled but affectionate face. "Mera pehla pota ya poti... Allah tum dono ko khush rakhe."
He hugged Haroon and whispered, "Beta, Maryam ka khayal rakhna. Uski maa hoti to iss waqt kitni khush hoti."
Haroon nodded, his voice steady and deep, "Abbu jaan, meri zindagi ka har faisla Maryam ke liye hai. Main uska khayal rakhunga jaise ek sipahi apne watan ka rakhta hai."
**Scene 3: Preparing for Fatherhood**
Back home, Haroon's sense of duty began to evolve. It wasn't just about arresting criminals or managing police operations anymore—it was about building a safe world for his future child. He set up a small shelf in the corner of their bedroom and started placing baby items—little socks, a bottle set, and a few colorful toys.
One night, after dinner, Maryam walked in to find Haroon watching YouTube videos about parenting.
"Tum police officer ho ya parenting expert ban rahe ho?" she teased.
He smiled and reached for her hand. "Main sab kuch banna chahta hoon jo mere bache ke liye zaroori ho."
**Scene 4: Balancing Duty and Home**
Despite his growing responsibilities at home, Haroon's professional life was becoming more demanding. His promotion meant larger cases, longer hours, and more pressure. One Monday evening, after coming home late, he found Maryam asleep on the couch, her hand on her stomach.
Haroon quietly knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead. "Mujhe maaf karna, Maryam. Aaj bhi dair ho gayi."
She stirred and opened her eyes slightly. "Main samajh sakti hoon. Tumhara kaam bhi zaroori hai."
Haroon kissed her hand. "Lekin tum dono mere liye sabse zaroori ho."
That night, as she slept peacefully, Haroon sat by the window thinking of all the changes. His heart was full—with hope, responsibility, and a quiet determination to be a better man than yesterday.
**Scene 5: A Pledge to the Future**
On Saturday morning, Haroon took Maryam to the doctor. As they waited for the sonography results, he whispered, "Main har mushkil waqt mein tumhare saath hoon. Jab hamara bacha pehla kadam chalega, jab pehli baar bolega, main har lamha dekhna chahta hoon."
Maryam looked into his eyes. "Main tumse zyada kisi par bharosa nahi karti, Haroon."
The doctor returned with a warm smile. "Congratulations, sab kuch normal hai. Maryam is progressing beautifully."
As they walked back to the car, Haroon gently held Maryam's hand.
"Yeh sirf naya chapter nahi, Maryam. Yeh meri zindagi ka naya maksad hai. Tumhara har gham, har khushi ab meri zimmedari hai."
She leaned on his shoulder, the sunlight catching in her soft black hair.
Together, they stepped into this new phase, their hearts stronger, their bond deeper, and their resolve unbreakable.
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**End of Chapter 10**