Beyond the Veil

Chapter 3. Fractured Loyalties

_Karachi, Pakistan. October 14th, 10:00 PM_

Fahad Khan stood in his opulent office, the city skyline gleaming outside. His phone rang, shrill in the silence.

"Fahad, I've received disturbing reports," Zahid Rahmani's voice cut through the line, icy and commanding. "Aiza's investigation is getting too close. What's your status?"

Fahad's confidence grew. "Sir, I've taken care of Aiza. She's... secured."

Zahid's pause was brief. "And Kashif and Lubna?"

"I've sent them a message, sir," Fahad replied. "They'll come to the abandoned pier at midnight, thinking they can rescue Aiza. I'll handle them as expected."

Zahid's approval was evident. "Well done, Fahad. Your loyalty will be rewarded. Ensure they don't leave that pier alive."

Fahad's determination hardened. "Consider it done, sir."

The line went dead.

Fahad's thoughts drifted to Aiza, captive and defiant. He would break her spirit, crush Kashif and Lubna's hopes.

With newfound resolve, Fahad dialled a number.

"Rashid, prepare the team. We have unwanted visitors coming at midnight."

Rashid's hesitant voice was a reminder of the cracks in Fahad's armour. "Sir, are you sure—"

"Silence, Rashid," Fahad interrupted. "Just follow orders."

As Fahad ended the call, his gaze fell upon a framed photo on his desk – his mother, frail and determined, in the narrow alleys of Lyari Town. The memory of his struggles fueled his resolve.

_Karachi, Pakistan. October 14th, 10:45 PM_

Fahad Khan stepped into the dimly lit room, the air thick with tension. Aiza's defiant gaze met his, her wrists and ankles bound to the chair. A faint bruise on her cheek marred her porcelain skin.

Aiza's eyes widened, shock and disgust flashing across her face. "Fahad?" she whispered, incredulous. "You're behind this?"

Fahad's smile was cold, calculated. "You're surprised, Aiza. I thought you'd have figured it out by now. You've been so... focused on Amir's murder."

Aiza's gaze hardened. "What do you want, Fahad? Why have you done this?"

Fahad's eyes gleamed with malice. "You've been digging in the wrong direction, Aiza. You're close to uncovering secrets that could destroy everything I've built."

Aiza's voice remained steady, despite the fear creeping into her eyes. "I won't stop until I expose you, Fahad. You'll pay for this."

Fahad chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Aiza's spine. "You're brave, I'll give you that. But bravery won't save you now."

He stepped closer, his voice dripping with menace. "You see, Aiza, I've built an empire. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect it."

Aiza's resolve faltered for an instant, before she regained her composure. "You'll never get away with this, Fahad. Kashif and Lubna will find me."

Fahad's smile grew wider. "I'm counting on it. They'll walk right into my trap."

Aiza's eyes flashed with defiance, but Fahad saw the faintest glimmer of doubt.

_Flashback Karachi University, 5 Years Ago_

Aiza and Fahad sat together in the university library, studying for their final exams. Laughter and whispers filled the air.

Fahad's eyes locked onto Aiza's, his smile genuine. "You're the only one who truly understands me, Aiza."

Aiza's cheeks flushed. "We're in this together, Fahad. Always."

Their friendship blossomed, built on late-night study sessions, shared dreams, and mutual respect.

_Fahad's Family Mansion, 3 Years Ago_

Aiza attended Fahad's lavish party, celebrating his business success.

Fahad's mother, Safia, grasped Aiza's hands. "You're like a daughter to me, Aiza. Take care of Fahad; he needs people like you."

Aiza smiled, her eyes shining. "I'll always be there for him, Mrs. Khan."

But life took a darker turn.

_Safia Khan's Funeral, 2 Years Ago_

Fahad stood alone, grief-stricken, as his mother's coffin was lowered into the ground.

Safia's last words echoed in his mind: "Fahad, never forget where you come from. Stay true to yourself."

Fahad's eyes hardened, his jaw clenched. He vowed to protect his family's legacy, no matter the cost.

_Amir's Office, 1 Year Ago_

Aiza stumbled upon Amir's investigation into Rahmani Corporation's shady dealings.

Fahad's eyes narrowed. "Aiza, you're getting too close. Back off."

Aiza's voice trembled. "Fahad, what's going on? You're involved, aren't you?"

Fahad's expression hardened. "You don't understand, Aiza. This is business."

The memories faded, leaving Fahad's cold, calculated gaze.

_Present Day_

Aiza's defiance faltered, replaced by a glimmer of sadness. "Fahad, what happened to you? To us?"

Fahad's smile twisted. "I grew up, Aiza. And you became a threat. My mother's death taught me one thing: loyalty is a luxury I can't afford."

Aiza's eyes widened, understanding the depth of Fahad's pain. "Safia Khan's death changed you, didn't it?"

Fahad's mask slipped, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability. "She was the only one who truly understood me. Now, I'm alone."

The moment passed, and Fahad's cold demeanour returned.

"I'll give you one chance, Aiza," Fahad said, his voice dripping with malice. "Tell me what you know, and I might spare your life."

Aiza's resolve hardened. "I'll never tell you anything, Fahad."

Fahad's laughter echoed through the room, sending chills down Aiza's spine.

_Karachi Police Station, October 14th, 11:00 PM_

Inspector Kashif Khan leaned against his desk, eyes fixed on Lubna. "Fahad's message was clear: come alone to the abandoned pier at midnight."

Lubna nodded, her expression resolute.

Kashif's thoughts drifted to the second murder. "Remember the Jalali case, Lubna? Right after Amir's murder?"

Lubna's brow furrowed. "The businessman found dead in his office?"

Kashif nodded. "I went to investigate, leaving Aiza alone... If only I'd stayed..."

Regret flashed across Kashif's face. "I should have protected her better."

Lubna's voice softened. "You can't blame yourself, Kashif. We didn't know Fahad's plan."

Kashif's jaw clenched. "Jalali was working with Amir. Fahad's involvement was evident, but we couldn't prove it."

Lubna's eyes narrowed. "Fahad's cleaning up loose ends."

Kashif's gaze locked onto Lubna's. "And Aiza's next on his list. We need to get her out."

Lubna nodded, determination etched on her face.

The silence between them was heavy with anticipation, as they prepared for their next move.

_Zahid Rahmani's Office, Rahmani Corporation, October 14th, 11:15 PM_

Zahid Rahmani stood at the head of the conference table, surrounded by influential figures: crime lord Jamal Sethi, smuggling kingpin Asad Marwat, and underworld financier Rauf Alvi.

"Gentlemen, our interests are at risk," Zahid declared, his voice commanding. "Aiza's testimony threatens to expose our networks."

Jamal Sethi's expression turned menacing. "I'll take care of Kashif Khan. He won't interfere."

Asad Marwat nodded. "My ships will ensure Aiza's transport goes smoothly."

Rauf Alvi spoke up, "Financial backing is secured. Our empire remains intact."

Zahid's gaze swept the room, ensuring commitment.

"Tonight, we protect our empires," Zahid emphasized. "Fahad has instructions. Kashif and Aiza will be neutralized."

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet affirmation of the corrupt bosses.

Jamal Sethi spoke up, "And what of the Jalali case, Zahid? Loose ends remain."

Zahid's expression turned cold. "Handled. Jalali's associates are being silenced."

Asad Marwat nodded. "Good. Our interests must be protected."

Rauf Alvi leaned forward. "What of the commissioner? Is he reliable?"

Zahid's smile was reassuring. "Omar is in our pocket. He'll ensure the investigation stalls."

The meeting concluded, the corrupt bosses departed, leaving Zahid confident in their loyalty.

_Rahmani Corporation's Parking Garage, October 14th, 11:45 PM_

Zahid Rahmani settled into his black Mercedes, the soft leather enveloping him. His driver, Rashid, awaited instructions.

"Home, sir?" Rashid asked.

Zahid's gaze lingered on Karachi's glittering skyline. "No, Rashid. The pier. I want to oversee the operation personally."

As they drove, Zahid's thoughts drifted to his past.

_Flashback: Rahmani Family Home, 15 Years Ago_

A warm evening breeze carried the scent of jasmine through the garden. Zahid sat with his wife, Nadia, and their 7-year-old son, Rayan. They laughed together, watching the sunset.

Nadia's eyes sparkled. "Zahid, you've worked hard. We're proud of you."

Zahid's expression softened. "I do it for us, for our future."

Rayan looked up at his father. "Papa, will you teach me business?"

Zahid ruffled Rayan's hair. "Soon, beta. First, study hard. Make me proud."

Nadia's hand found Zahid's. "We'll always be proud of you, no matter what."

The scene faded, returning to the present.

_Rahmani Corporation's Car, October 14th, 11:50 PM_

Zahid's phone buzzed, snapping him back to reality. Fahad's number flashed on the screen.

"Report," Zahid answered.

"Kashif and Lubna are approaching the pier, sir," Fahad replied, his voice tense.

Zahid's expression turned cold. "Prepare the welcome."

Rashid's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, we're approaching the pier."

Zahid glanced out the window, his eyes scanning the area.

Suddenly, Rashid slammed on the brakes, swerving to avoid a collision.

A motorbike had cut them off, its rider turning to gaze at Zahid's car.

Zahid's eyes locked onto the rider's.

A masked face stared back.

The bike sped off into the night.

Zahid's face twisted in anger. "Follow him!"

Rashid accelerated, but the bike vanished into the darkness.

Zahid's phone buzzed again.

"Fahad, we have an unexpected guest," Zahid warned.

Fahad's response sent a chill down Zahid's spine:

"Sir, it's not just one. There are more."

The line went dead.

Zahid's eyes narrowed.

Tonight's plan just took an unexpected turn.

To Be Continued...