The night before the big opening had arrived, and with it came a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. In the softly lit lounge of Haroon and Maryam's home, the entire family sat together, sipping tea while glancing at the clock every now and then. Ubaid, with his toy car in hand, was rolling it along the edge of the coffee table, humming to himself. Khadija, now a few years old, was cuddled beside Rimsha, playing with her phone and giggling at cat videos.
It had been a journey—one that started from an old book store and library left behind by Rimsha and Maryam's late father, and had now turned into a full-fledged business. A supermarket that would serve the people of their locality, offer employment, and build new memories in a place once full of pages and silence.
"I want to say something," Maryam suddenly broke the moment. She placed her cup on the coaster and looked at everyone seriously.
All eyes turned toward her.
"I've been thinking," she continued, "that this superstore… it's not just a business. It's a legacy. Baba's place. His books, his shelves, his space. But now it's transformed, and I want it to be Rimsha's name that lives with it. So… I'd prefer that Rimsha becomes the sole owner of Amana Superstore."
A silence fell over the room. Even Ubaid stopped his toy car and looked up.
Rimsha blinked in surprise. "Aapi… what are you saying?"
Haroon adjusted his glasses and leaned forward. "You're serious?"
Maryam nodded. "Yes. Haroon and I will always be here to support, and Imran too, but the legal ownership, the name, the responsibility—it should be Rimsha's."
Rimsha's eyes welled with tears. "But… I'm younger than you. You did everything—you and Haroon planned the inventory, the vendors, the logo, everything. Why would you—"
"Because it was our father's place," Maryam interrupted gently. "And because you lived there alone, managed it, sold the books, cleaned it up, and carried this dream forward. I want Amana Superstore to be yours."
Haroon gave a small smile. "I agree. You deserve this."
Imran added, "We'll handle operations together, but Rimsha will be our lead now."
Rimsha, too emotional to speak, only nodded and wiped her eyes quietly.
---
The next morning dawned with golden sunlight filtering through sheer curtains. Excitement buzzed in the air like electricity. It was the grand opening of Amana Superstore, and the streets outside were already beginning to bustle with curious neighbors and visitors by 10:30 a.m.
Balloons in shades of green and white were tied to the gate, fluttering joyously in the late summer breeze. A banner hung high above the entrance in bold Urdu and English letters:
"Welcome to the Grand Opening of Amana Superstore!"
By 11 a.m., a ribbon was stretched across the main entrance, with Rimsha holding the ceremonial scissors. Haroon stood beside her holding Khadija, while Imran clicked photos on his phone. Maryam wore a soft peach-colored dress and a matching dupatta. She looked on, proud and glowing, with Ubaid at her side, who kept asking loudly, "When will we cut the ribbon, Mama? When?"
"Bas, abhi beta," Maryam smiled and straightened his collar.
With a soft snip, Rimsha cut the ribbon and everyone clapped. Confetti launched from two side cannons and a speaker played cheerful instrumental music. The superstore was officially open.
Inside, aisles were freshly stocked with labeled shelves of grains, pulses, toiletries, cooking oils, cold drinks, household items, and a corner for baby products. The air smelled like fresh paint and sanitizer, but also held the scent of new beginnings.
At the entrance counter, a large sign read:
> Quiz and Gift Session: Participate and Win Exciting Prizes & Discount Vouchers!
The team had planned a quiz for public engagement. The idea was simple: answer questions and win gifts. Kids received small toys, adults won discount coupons and grocery hampers.
Haroon stood with a mic and announced:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Our first question is… what is the capital of Australia?"
A young schoolgirl raised her hand shyly. "Canberra?"
"Correct! Come forward and collect your prize!" Haroon smiled.
She rushed forward, and Rimsha handed her a small toy and a voucher. People clapped, and more participants lined up.
Meanwhile, Imran and Maryam managed the till and helped customers who were eager to buy the opening-day deals. The store had special discounts up to 25% on many items, and baskets were already filling up.
"I'm so proud of this team," said one lady to her husband while checking out with ghee and tea packets. "This store will do well, InshaAllah."
---
By 1 p.m., the store was packed. A local newspaper reporter showed up for coverage and interviewed Rimsha.
"What does this store mean to you?" he asked.
Rimsha smiled, her voice clear and confident. "It means carrying my father's legacy forward with a modern touch. It means family, community, and service. This is not just a shop. It's a dream."
Haroon came over and added, "And it's also about empowering women to take leadership in business. Rimsha is now the proud owner of Amana Superstore."
Maryam, hearing this from behind, simply smiled. She didn't need a title or recognition. Her joy was complete in Rimsha's success.
---
Later that evening, when the crowd thinned and the sun began to set, the team sat together in the tiny staff break room.
Rimsha passed around a tray of sandwiches while Maryam poured chai into paper cups. Khadija had already fallen asleep on Haroon's lap, and Ubaid was slowly dozing on Maryam's shoulder.
"Who knew this old bookstore could turn into something like this?" Imran mused.
"And who knew that one crayon box would lead to a whole business?" Rimsha teased, reminding everyone of Ubaid's innocent moment with the 64-color box just a week ago.
Everyone laughed.
"I still think Maryam should've named it 'Ubaid Mart,'" Haroon joked.
Maryam rolled her eyes. "Then Rimsha would've named it 'Khadija Kiryana.'"
They all laughed again, the warmth of family enveloping the room like a blanket.
The day had been long, the work tiring, but their hearts were full.
"Next step?" Imran asked, raising his cup.
Rimsha raised hers too. "Monthly memberships, online orders, and… perhaps a café corner?"
"Oho!" Haroon grinned. "Slow down, CEO sahiba!"
They clinked their chai cups together.
Amana Superstore was not just a building with shelves and products. It was a symbol of unity, of dreams carried forward, and of sisters honoring their past by shaping a bright future.
And this was just the beginning.
---
End of Chapter 39