Beyond the Veil

Chapter 7. Damage Control

_October 16th, 10:00 AM_

_Rahmani Corporation's Headquarters, Karachi_

The packed press conference room buzzed with anticipation. Cameras clicked, and reporters murmured, their eyes fixed on the podium. Zahid Rahmani, CEO of Rahmani Corporation, strode confidently onto the stage, flanked by his lawyers and PR team.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the press, I stand before you today to address the allegations made by Aiza Farooq regarding Rahmani Corporation's involvement in corruption and human rights abuses."

Zahid's voice was firm, authoritative.

"While we take these allegations seriously, we assure you that they are baseless and unfounded. Rahmani Corporation has always operated with the highest standards of integrity and transparency."

He paused, surveying the room.

"If, however, any evidence surfaces that suggests wrongdoing by any individual associated with our organization, we will take swift and decisive action. Fahad Khan, our manager, will face full investigation and consequences if necessary."

Zahid's eyes locked onto the cameras.

"Let me be clear: Rahmani Corporation will not tolerate any form of corruption or unethical behaviour. We are committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all individuals."

Reporters scribbled furiously, their eyes darting between Zahid and their notebooks.

"We demand that Aiza Farooq provide concrete evidence to support her claims. Until then, we consider these allegations nothing but a malicious attempt to tarnish our reputation."

The room erupted into a flurry of questions, reporters shouting over each other. Zahid's team carefully selected which questions to answer, steering the narrative toward Rahmani Corporation's commitment to integrity.

_Meanwhile..._

Aiza, Kashif, and Javed watched the live broadcast from their safe house, their expressions grim.

"This is a clever move," Kashif said, his eyes narrowed. "Zahid's trying to shift the focus to Fahad and distance Rahmani Corporation from the allegations."

Aiza's jaw clenched. "We need to counter this, now."

Javed nodded, already typing away on his laptop. "I'm working on it."

Fahad Khan, watching from his office, felt a cold sweat trickle down his spine. Zahid's words offered no reassurance, only a stark reminder of his own vulnerability.

_October 16th, 11:00 AM_

_News Studio, Karachi_

The newsroom buzzed with activity, screens flickering with breaking news updates. Anchorperson Ali Hassan leaned forward, his eyes locked onto the camera.

"Zahid Rahmani, CEO of Rahmani Corporation, held a press conference this morning, addressing allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. Rahmani denied any wrongdoing, shifting focus to Fahad Khan, the corporation's manager."

Ali's expression turned skeptical.

"Rahmani's statement raises more questions than answers. Will Fahad Khan face investigation, or is this a clever diversion?"

_Cut to:_

A crowded press conference room, reporters typing furiously on their laptops.

_Daily Times journalist Maria Tahir spoke to the camera._

"Zahid Rahmani's words seem carefully crafted, but what about concrete evidence? We demand transparency and accountability."

The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the hum of laptops and murmurs of reporters.

_Karachi Herald's editor, Faisal Ali, chimed in._

"Rahmani Corporation's reputation hangs in the balance. The people deserve truth, not carefully constructed PR statements."

The camera panned to a split screen, displaying Aiza Farooq's initial evidence alongside Zahid Rahmani's statement.

Ali Hassan's voiceover continued.

"As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the truth will come to light. Stay tuned for further updates."

The news studio's lights dimmed, the screens fading to black.

_Meanwhile..._

Aiza, Kashif, and Javed watched the broadcast from their safe house, their expressions concerned.

"We can't let Zahid dictate the narrative," Aiza said.

Kashif nodded.

"We need to keep pushing for the truth."

Javed's fingers flew across his laptop.

"I'm trying to find any new leads."

Fahad Khan, watching from his office, felt a chill run down his spine.

"What have I gotten myself into?" he whispered to himself.

Zahid's words echoed in his mind: "If any evidence surfaces, Fahad Khan will face full investigation and consequences."

Fahad's phone buzzed, Zahid's name flashing on the screen.

"Fahad, we need to discuss damage control," Zahid's voice was cold, calculated.

"I understand, sir," Fahad replied, trying to hide his fear.

"Don't fail me, Fahad."

The line went dead.

Fahad's heart sank.

_October 16th, 2:00 PM_

_Safe House, Karachi_

Aiza poured steaming hot chicken biryani and naan bread onto ceramic plates, the aroma of cardamom and ginger filling the air. Kashif and Javed sat at the wooden table, laptops open, eyes scanning the screens.

"Anything new?" Aiza asked, handing them their plates.

Kashif shook his head. "Not yet. But I'm tracking some leads."

Javed took a bite of his biryani, his eyes narrowing. "I've been analyzing Rahmani Corporation's financials. There's a discrepancy in their 2022 quarterly reports."

Aiza's eyes sparkled. "That's something. Keep digging."

The sound of keyboards clacking and the hum of the air conditioner filled the room. Outside, the afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the window.

Suddenly, Kashif's phone buzzed. "It's Ali Hassan, the news anchor."

Aiza's eyes locked onto Kashif. "Answer it."

Kashif picked up, listening intently. "Yes, Ali... Understand... We'll consider it."

He hung up, turning to Aiza and Javed. "Ali wants us to come on his show tonight. He's willing to confront Zahid Rahmani."

Aiza's expression turned thoughtful. "It's a risk. But we need to keep the pressure on."

Javed nodded. "Agreed. We should do it."

The scent of biryani lingered, mingling with the tension in the room.

_October 16th, 4:00 PM_

_Rahmani Corporation's Headquarters, Karachi_

Fahad Khan stepped into Zahid Rahmani's office, the scent of polished leather and freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Zahid stood by the window, gazing out at the city skyline.

"Fahad, thanks for coming," Zahid said, turning to him.

Fahad's eyes narrowed. "What's going on, Zahid? Your statement to the media..."

Zahid gestured to a chair. "Sit, please."

Fahad sat, his hands clenched together.

"I had to take that stand, Fahad," Zahid explained. "We can't let Aiza Farooq's allegations undermine our reputation."

"But what about me?" Fahad asked, his voice laced with concern. "You said if anyone's involved, they'll face consequences."

Zahid leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Fahad's. "That was for public consumption, Fahad. I'll protect you, no matter what."

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the window, illuminating Zahid's reassuring expression.

"I'll never leave you alone, Fahad," Zahid continued. "You're essential to this organization."

Fahad's tension eased slightly.

"But what if..." Fahad began.

Zahid's tone turned firm. "We'll face it together. I've taken measures to ensure our interests are protected."

The hum of the air conditioner filled the silence.

"I appreciate your loyalty, Fahad," Zahid said. "And I'll reciprocate."

Fahad nodded, a sense of relief washing over him.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered.

_October 16th, 6:00 PM_

_Karachi News Network (KNN) Studio_

News Anchor, Ali Hassan, sat confidently, adjusting his mic. "Welcome back to 'Breaking News.' Just hours ago, Zahid Rahmani held a press conference, addressing allegations made by Private Investigator Aiza Farooq."

The studio lights gleamed off Ali's glasses. "Rahmani reassured the public of his corporation's integrity, stating they'll cooperate fully with investigations."

On the screen behind Ali, a clip from Zahid's conference played.

"But what's striking," Ali continued, "is Aiza Farooq's silence. Despite her bold claims, she hasn't responded or provided further evidence."

The camera panned to journalist, Amna Khan. "That's right, Ali. Aiza's team promised concrete proof, but so far, nothing."

Amna's expression turned thoughtful. "This raises questions about the validity of her claims. Is she backing down, or strategically waiting?"

Ali nodded. "Viewers are asking: where's the evidence? Has Aiza bitten off more than she can chew?"

The studio fell silent, awaiting Aiza's next move.

_Media Reactions:_

- "_Aiza Farooq's Silence: Tactful or Tainted?_" - The Karachi Times

- "_Rahmani Corporation: Innocent Until Proven Guilty?_" - Dawn News

- "_The Case Against Zahid Rahmani: Crumbling or Just Beginning?_" - The News International

As the show continued, the tension lingered, leaving viewers wondering: what's next in this high-stakes drama?

_October 16th, 6:30 PM_

_Safe House, Karachi_

Aiza paced beside the couch, phone in hand, the soft hum of the air conditioner filling the room. "Ali Hassan's show is tonight. We need a solid strategy."

Kashif leaned forward, elbows on knees, his eyes fixed on Aiza. "We've got the evidence against Fahad, but Zahid's statement today changed things."

Lubna, sitting beside him, spoke up, "He said if Fahad or anyone's involved in corruption, they'll face consequences."

Javed nodded. "That's an admission of accountability."

Aiza stopped pacing, turning to face them. "Exactly. We'll tell Ali Hassan: Fahad should hand himself over to authorities for a fair investigation."

Kashif nodded. "That's the only way to ensure transparency."

Lubna's voice filled with conviction. "And we must emphasize that we're seeking justice, not revenge."

Javed scribbled notes on his laptop, the keyboard clicks echoing. "I'll prepare the key points."

The room buzzed with determination.

Aiza's eyes locked onto her team. "Tonight, we take a stand."

The flickering TV screen in the corner cast an eerie glow.

Kashif stood, resolve etched on his face. "Let's do this."

Lubna rose, her hands clasped together. "For justice."

Javed closed his laptop, a hint of a smile. "Time to expose the truth."

The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered.

Tonight's show would change everything.

To Be Continued...