Beyond the Veil

Chapter 16. In the Crosshairs

October 19th, 5:30 PM

Café Logic, Karachi

The aroma of rich coffee filled the air as Aiza stepped into Café Logic, the cozy atmosphere a stark contrast to the tumult that churned inside her. The low hum of conversations created a comforting backdrop, but her heart raced with the urgency of what lay ahead. She spotted Kashif at a corner table, his expression a mix of concern and determination as he glanced up from his phone.

“Aiza!” He rose, his chair scraping against the tiled floor. Relief washed over him as he rushed to her side, pulling her into a brief embrace. “Are you okay? I was worried when you didn’t call back.”

“I’m fine,” she replied, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. “But we need to act fast. Khan knows I’m onto him.” She slid into the chair opposite him, her pulse quickening as she scanned the café, wary of prying eyes.

Kashif leaned closer, lowering his voice. “What happened in the office?” The tension between them was palpable, thickening the air around them as they both grappled with the danger encroaching upon their lives.

“He tried to intimidate me,” Aiza confessed, her hands fisting on the table. “But I got away. I have evidence that can expose him and Zahid.”

Kashif’s gaze intensified, a mix of admiration and fear swirling within. “You’re risking everything, Aiza. We need to be careful.” He took a deep breath, visibly collecting himself. “If we go public, there’s no turning back.”

Aiza met his gaze, a fierce determination igniting within her. “I’ve already lost so much. I won’t let fear hold me back now.” The weight of her past loomed over her, but in this moment, she felt a spark of hope.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the table, breaking the charged silence. The screen lit up with a message from Lubna: Meet us at the safe house. Urgent.

As Aiza read the message, dread settled in her stomach. The stakes were rising, and they were running out of time. She exchanged a glance with Kashif, both aware that their next move could change everything.

“Let’s go,” Aiza said, her resolve firm. “We need to regroup and plan our next steps.”

As they stood, the café’s comforting ambience faded into the background, replaced by the looming shadows of their adversaries. With every heartbeat, Aiza felt the thrill of danger—an intoxicating blend of fear and exhilaration that drove her forward. The fight was far from over, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As they maneuvered through Karachi’s narrow, dimly lit streets, Aiza’s thoughts swirled with the weight of her recent encounter with Commissioner Khan. She clutched her phone tightly, replaying every word he’d thrown at her, every veiled threat lacing his tone.

The usual bustling street vendors and honking cars seemed muffled in her mind, like a distant hum drowned beneath the pounding of her heart. Her instincts warned her: this was a storm they’d barely begun to weather.

Beside her, Kashif was silent, his jaw clenched as he focused on the road. Shadows from the streetlights glanced over his face, accentuating the hardened look in his eyes. She felt the gravity of his presence, steady yet simmering with tension.

Despite everything, Aiza knew he’d go to the ends of the earth for her—and that knowledge was both comforting and terrifying.

Finally, he broke the silence. “Aiza, if things go south, I need you to promise me something.” His voice was low, layered with emotions he rarely let show.

She looked at him, puzzled. “What is it?”

“Promise me you won’t take unnecessary risks. There’s too much at stake.” His gaze flickered to her, his eyes pleading. “I can’t lose you.”

Aiza’s heart tightened. In that fleeting moment, she saw the vulnerability he hid beneath his calm exterior.

But she couldn’t make that promise. Not when every part of her burned for justice—for Amir, for her parents, for the life she’d been forced to rebuild piece by painful piece.

“Maybe that’s a promise I can’t keep,” she whispered, her voice almost lost in the noise outside. She turned to face the windshield, feeling the tension thicken between them.

Kashif let out a breath, gripping the wheel tighter, his silence heavy with resignation and unspoken fears.

They continued in silence, both weighed down by the secrets they bore and the impossible choices that lay ahead.

October 19th, 8:00 PM

Rahmani Corporation Headquarters, Downtown Karachi

The city lights of Karachi glittered outside the towering windows, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere within the office. Zahid Rahmani sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, his fingers steepled as he studied Fahad Khan, who stood across from him, hands clasped behind his back, his posture tense yet deferential.

Zahid’s gaze was razor-sharp. “Our control is slipping, Fahad,” he said, his tone cutting through the silence. “Aiza Farooq has pushed too far, and Commissioner Khan has failed to contain her.”

Fahad shifted uncomfortably, his jaw tightening. He could feel Zahid’s silent judgment, the weight of expectation pressing down on him. “We can still turn this around, sir,” he replied, his voice firm but cautious. “We just need to neutralize her influence before it spreads further.”

Zahid’s lips curled into a cold smile. “And how do you propose we do that? By letting her slip through our fingers, like you did with the last incident?” His voice held an edge, daring Fahad to challenge him.

Fahad took a breath, choosing his words carefully. “I’ve tightened our security, doubled the surveillance. She won’t make it out next time.” He kept his tone respectful, knowing better than to let his frustration show.

Zahid leaned forward, his gaze icy. “Make sure you do. Because if Aiza escapes again, it won’t just be her head on the line.”

October 19th, 8:15 PM

Rooftop of Pakistan News Network (PNN) Building, Karachi

Rain fell in heavy sheets, shrouding the city in a muted haze as Lubna and Javed stood under the rooftop’s overhang, taking in the view before her big debut. Below, the glow of Karachi’s lights was scattered, dim, like distant fires flickering against the storm.

Javed stood close by, arms crossed, his face shadowed with the weight of unspoken thoughts. She knew this night would be critical — not only for her career but for the case they were pursuing.

Lubna broke the silence. “In less than an hour, I’ll be live on PNN. They expect me to keep it… safe, but I don’t know if I can.” Her voice carried a touch of both defiance and fear. “People need to know what’s happening.”

Javed turned to her, his gaze sharp yet filled with something close to pride. “That’s why they wanted you for this job,” he said, his tone measured. “You don’t let fear stop you. But remember — pushing too far might bring them after you next.”

She swallowed, feeling the weight of his warning. Her role at PNN wasn’t just a job; it was a lifeline to the truth that Zahid Rahmani wanted buried. She wasn’t sure if she was prepared, but Amir’s memory pushed her forward, a steady reminder of why she had to act.

“Then let them come.” She held Javed’s gaze, a fierce determination in her eyes. “I’ll be ready.”

A faint smile creased his face. “Just… stay cautious. Recklessness can be costly.”

The rain drummed harder as they stood in silence, both sensing the stakes and knowing there was no turning back.

October 19th, 9:00 PM

Backstage at Pakistan News Network (PNN) Studio, Karachi

The soft hum of studio lights buzzed in Lubna's ears as she paced backstage, her heart pounding. Tonight was monumental; it wasn’t just her first show—it was a chance to expose the Rahmani Corporation.

“Lubna, you’re up in five,” the stage manager said, urgency in her voice. Lubna glanced in the mirror, determination shining in her eyes. This is for Amir. The stakes were high, and doubt crept in. What if Zahid and Fahad retaliate?

As the lights dimmed and the opening music played, she took one last look at Javed in the audience. He gave her a nod, and courage ignited within her.

“Welcome to PNN’s special segment on corporate accountability. I’m your host, Lubna Hassan,” she began, her voice steady. Just as she started discussing the evidence, a loud crash echoed from the control room. The lights flickered, plunging the studio into darkness.

“Cut to commercial!” someone shouted, panic rising.

Lubna felt a chill as a figure burst onto the set—a woman, drenched and breathless. “Lubna! You need to leave—now!”

“What do you mean?” Lubna asked, alarmed.

“They’re after you!” the woman urged, her eyes darting around.

Before Lubna could react, men in dark suits stormed in. “Where is she?” one growled.

The realization hit Lubna hard—they were here for her.

“Get me out of here!” she shouted to the woman.

As the first man reached for her, the lights flickered again, and the last thing Lubna heard was the woman’s terrified scream.

To Be Continued...