Chapter 4. The Rescue
1317 Words
_Karachi, Pakistan. October 15th, 12:00 AM_
The abandoned pier loomed before Kashif and Lubna, its crumbling structure shrouded in darkness.
As they approached, the sound of scuffling and grunts filled the air. Suddenly, figures on bikes emerged from the shadows, their faces obscured by helmets.
Kashif instinctively drew his gun, eyes scanning the chaos. "What's going on?"
Lubna clutched his arm, confusion etched on her face. "Are those... bikers... fighting Fahad's men?"
A figure, tall and imposing, dismounted his bike. Javed Ahmed. The masked biker from earlier.
With swift precision, Javed's men took down Fahad's henchmen, their movements a testament to their training.
Kashif and Lubna watched in stunned silence as the bikers secured the area.
Fahad Khan, enraged, stood beside Aiza, his grip tightening on her arm.
Javed approached, his gaze locked on Fahad. "Let her go."
Fahad sneered. "You think you can save her?"
Javed's men closed in, surrounding Fahad.
Kashif and Lubna exchanged a wary glance, unsure what to make of these unexpected allies.
"Aiza," Kashif called out, trying to keep his voice steady.
Aiza's eyes met Kashif's, fear and relief mingling.
Javed took another step forward. "Last chance, Fahad."
Fahad's eyes darted between Javed's men and Kashif.
The air was thick with tension as Fahad's grip on Aiza faltered.
Javed's men moved swiftly, disarming Fahad and freeing Aiza.
Aiza stumbled toward Kashif, Lubna, embracing her tightly.
Javed's gaze met Kashif's. A nod, and his men stood guard, securing the perimeter.
Fahad's eyes blazed with fury, his defeat temporarily.
"We're not done," Fahad snarled before being dragged away by Javed's men.
Kashif turned to Javed. "Who are you?"
Javed's expression remained stoic. "Friends. For now."
The scene unfolded with a mix of tension, confusion, and relief.
Javed's gaze scanned the horizon, his expression tightening.
"We need to go. Now," Javed urged, eyes fixed on the approaching convoy.
Kashif's confusion deepened. "What's wrong?"
Javed's voice was low and urgent. "Zahid's arriving. We can't let him see us."
Fahad, still struggling, was left behind as Javed's men swiftly mounted their bikes.
"Get Aiza out of here," Javed instructed Kashif.
Lubna helped Aiza toward Kashif's car.
"Where are we going?" Kashif asked.
"Someplace safe," Javed replied.
As they sped away, Fahad's enraged shouts echoed through the night.
Zahid Rahmani's SUV screeched to a halt, his cold gaze sweeping the abandoned pier.
Fahad, battered and humiliated, stumbled toward Zahid.
"What happened?" Zahid's voice dripped with venom.
Fahad's fear was palpable. "Javed Ahmed... they took Aiza."
Zahid's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing.
"Take care of him," Zahid ordered his men. "We'll deal with Javed Ahmed later."
Fahad was helped into Zahid's SUV, which sped away into the night.
Javed's group disappeared in the opposite direction, leaving Zahid's wrath behind.
Kashif followed Javed's bike, Lubna beside him in the car.
"Where's he taking us?" Lubna asked.
Kashif shrugged. "No idea."
Aiza sat silently in the backseat, lost in thought.
They weaved through Karachi's streets, the city lights blurring together.
Javed led them to a quiet café on the outskirts of town.
Kashif parked behind Javed's bike, curiosity piqued.
Lubna helped Aiza out of the car.
Javed waited, his expression calm.
"Inside," Javed said, gesturing toward the café.
Kashif nodded, following Javed with Lubna and Aiza.
The café's warm atmosphere enveloped them.
Aiza sank into a chair, relief etched on her face.
Lubna sat beside her, hands clasped together.
Kashif stood, eyes scanning the area.
Javed disappeared into the kitchen.
Moments later, steaming cups of tea arrived.
Aiza wrapped her hands around the warm cup.
Lubna smiled, sipping her tea.
Kashif's gaze lingered on Javed.
Who is this mysterious figure?
And what does he want?
Kashif leaned back, his gaze still fixed on Javed.
"Who are you?" Kashif asked.
Javed's expression remained stoic.
"All in good time," Javed replied.
The group lapsed into a comfortable silence, sipping their tea.
Aiza broke the silence.
"Thank you, Javed. For saving me."
Javed's gaze softened.
"You're safe now," he said.
Lubna nodded in agreement.
"We owe you one," Lubna said.
Javed smiled faintly.
"No debts. Just staying ahead of Zahid Rahmani."
Kashif's eyes narrowed.
"What's your connection to Rahmani?"
Javed's expression turned enigmatic.
"Old scores. Unfinished business."
The conversation flowed easily, tension dissipating.
Finishing their tea, Javed stood.
"Time to get you home," Javed said.
Aiza nodded, grateful.
Lubna helped Aiza up.
Kashif followed, his eyes still fixed on Javed.
Javed led them out, locking the café door behind.
The night air enveloped them.
Aiza breathed deeply.
"Fresh air feels amazing," Aiza whispered.
Lubna smiled.
"Sleep will feel even better," Lubna replied.
Javed mounted his bike.
"Follow me," Javed instructed.
They arrived at Javed's apartment.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Javed said.
Aiza and Lubna exchanged relieved glances.
"Thank you, Javed," Aiza said.
Javed smiled.
"Rest. You're safe here."
Inside, Kashif took in the modest decor.
Lubna helped Aiza to the couch.
Aiza collapsed onto the soft cushions.
Sleep claimed her instantly.
Lubna smiled.
"Finally safe," Lubna whispered.
Javed handed Kashif a blanket.
"For the couch," Javed explained.
Kashif nodded.
"Thanks," Kashif said.
Javed retreated to his room.
The night wrapped around them.
_October 15, 4:00 AM_
Kashif quietly rose from the couch.
He padded softly to the bedroom.
Aiza lay asleep on the bed.
Kashif's gaze lingered on her peaceful face.
He gently pulled the blankets up around her.
Aiza stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
Kashif froze.
"Aiza?" Kashif whispered.
Aiza's gaze locked onto Kashif's.
"Kashif?" she whispered back, her voice laced with sleep.
"What time is it?" Aiza asked.
"Four," Kashif replied. "Go back to sleep."
Aiza's eyes softened.
"You didn't have to check on me," she whispered.
Kashif smiled.
"I wanted to," Kashif said.
Aiza's gaze held his.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Kashif's hand lingered on her cheek.
"You're safe now," Kashif said.
Aiza nodded.
"I know," she repeated.
Their gazes held.
The silence between them was intimate.
Aiza broke the spell.
"Can't sleep?" she asked.
Kashif shook his head.
"Too much on my mind," Kashif replied.
Aiza's expression softened.
"We'll get through this," she whispered.
Kashif's eyes locked onto hers.
"Together?" Kashif asked.
Aiza nodded.
"Together," she confirmed.
Their hands touched.
A spark of connection.
Aiza's eyes drooped.
"Sleep," Kashif whispered.
Aiza nodded.
"Stay," she whispered back.
Kashif smiled.
"I'll stay," Kashif replied.
With a final glance, Kashif settled beside her, wrapping his arms around her.
Aiza's eyes closed, her heart filled with comfort and security.
_One Hour Earlier_
_October 15, 3:00 AM_
_Zahid Rahmani's mansion_
Zahid led Fahad through the dimly lit corridors.
"Amira will see to your injuries," Zahid said.
Fahad nodded, his face pale.
They entered a cozy room, Amira awaiting.
"Take care of Fahad," Zahid instructed.
Amira nodded.
Zahid turned to Fahad.
"Javed's men were ruthless," Fahad said, wincing.
Zahid's eyes narrowed.
"Get some rest," Zahid said. "We'll discuss details later."
Amira began tending to Fahad's wounds.
"You're lucky," Amira said softly.
Fahad smiled weakly.
Zahid's expression softened.
"Take care of yourself, Fahad," Zahid said.
Fahad nodded.
"I will, sir."
Zahid exited, leaving Amira to care for Fahad.
_October 15, 4:30 AM_
_Javed's Apartment_
Kashif's eyes drifted shut, his arms wrapped tightly around Aiza.
Aiza's gentle breathing lulled him into a peaceful slumber.
The night's dangers seemed to fade away.
In this moment, all was right.
Aiza snuggled deeper into Kashif's embrace.
"Thank you," Aiza whispered.
Kashif smiled.
"For what?" Kashif asked.
"For being here," Aiza replied.
Kashif's hold tightened.
"I'll always be here," Kashif whispered.
Aiza's eyes closed.
Together, they surrendered to sleep.
The city outside slept, its darkness momentarily held at bay.
Just as their worries seemed to fade…
Kashif's phone vibrated silently on the nightstand.
A text from an unknown number:
"You won't survive next time."
Kashif's heart skipped a beat.
Aiza stirred.
"What's wrong?" Aiza whispered.
Kashif's face hardened.
"Nothing," Kashif lied.
Aiza's gaze searched his.
Kashif's expression remained stoic.
To Be Continued...
- Writer
