Beyond the Veil

Chapter 12. Bait and Bloodshed

_October 18th, 4:00 PM_

_Karachi's upscale shopping district, Zamzama Boulevard_

The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows across the sidewalk as Aiza and Lubna stepped out of the air-conditioned comfort of their car. The sounds of the city—honking horns, chatter, and the wail of sirens in the distance—enveloped them.

Lubna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at the row of boutiques. "I need a wardrobe makeover, Aiza. PNN wants me to look polished and professional."

Aiza smiled, falling into step beside Lubna. "We'll find the perfect pieces. You'll dazzle them."

As they strolled along Zamzama, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a nearby café, mingling with the aroma of street food—spicy kebabs and crispy samosas. Lubna's stomach growled, and Aiza chuckled.

"Food later, shopping first."

They entered "Elegance," a boutique renowned for its stylish, modern clothing. The bell above the door announced their arrival, and the sales associate, a poised woman with impeccable makeup, greeted them.

"Welcome to Elegance! How may I assist you today?"

Lubna's eyes scanned the racks, her fingers trailing over the fabrics. "I'm looking for something sophisticated, yet trendy. I've just joined PNN as a journalist."

The associate's smile widened. "Congratulations! We have just the thing."

As the associate presented Lubna with an array of outfits, Aiza wandered to the adjacent rack, her fingers brushing against the intricate embroidery on a nearby dress.

"Lubna, what about this?" Aiza held up a sleek, navy blue pantsuit.

Lubna's gaze narrowed, assessing the outfit. "It's nice, but I want something with more flair."

The associate intervened, producing a stunning, emerald green blouse. "This would complement your skin tone beautifully, ma'am."

Lubna's eyes lit up. "I love it!"

As Lubna tried on outfits, Aiza sat in the plush fitting room area, sipping on a refreshing glass of lemonade provided by the boutique. Her thoughts drifted to Kashif and their tender moment earlier that day, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Forty-five minutes later, Lubna emerged, transformed in a tailored, charcoal gray dress.

Aiza's gaze swept Lubna's new look. "Perfect. You'll own that newsroom."

Lubna beamed, striking a pose in front of the mirror. "I feel like a real journalist now."

Their laughter intertwined with the boutique's soft background music, creating a joyful melody.

With Lubna's shopping complete, they exited the boutique, the setting sun casting a warm glow over Zamzama.

"Food now?" Lubna asked, her eyes sparkling.

Aiza grinned. "Definitely."

They strolled toward a nearby café, the sounds and scents of Karachi enveloping them once more.

_October 18th, 5:00 PM_

_A deserted alleyway near Al Najaf Cafe, Karachi_

Amira's whisper sent shivers down Fahad's spine. "Zahid Rahmani wants Kashif and Javed to witness our handling of Mr. Ansari."

Fahad's eyes narrowed. "You didn't tell me that."

Amira's gaze remained cold, unyielding. "Zahid's instructions were clear: keep you focused on the task, not the why."

Fahad's jaw clenched, unease dancing across his face. "And what's Mr. Ansari's significance?"

Amira's expression didn't waver. "Need-to-know, Fahad. You don't."

Tension thickened the air as Fahad's eyes locked onto Amira's.

"Fine," Fahad said tightly. "Let's get this done."

Amira's smile was calculated, menacing. "Call Kashif. Challenge him. Make sure he knows the address."

Fahad's eyes narrowed. "Time to bait the trap."

He dialed Kashif's number, disguising his voice.

"Kashif, you think you're a hero? Prove it," Fahad sneered.

Kashif's caution was palpable. "Who is this?"

Fahad chuckled, revealing his identity. "Meet me at 1456, Street 12, near Al Najaf Cafe. We're settling a score. If you can stop us, that is."

Kashif's pause was brief. "Fahad? What's going on?"

"Come alone, Kashif," Fahad continued. "Javed's welcome too. We'll give them a show."

Kashif's resolve was clear. "You're making a mistake, Fahad. We'll be there."

Fahad ended the call, a sly smile spreading.

Amira raised an eyebrow. "You think they'll take the bait?"

Fahad's confidence was palpable. "Kashif's ego won't let him resist. They'll come, and we'll be ready."

As they waited, the fading sunlight cast long shadows across the alleyway. The scent of decay and neglect hung heavy in the air.

Mr. Ansari, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby, began closing up his cafe, the soft clinking of dishes and murmured goodbyes filling the evening air.

Unaware of the impending storm, Kashif and Javed prepared to face Fahad, their minds racing with questions.

Who is the target?

What did Fahad want?

One thing was certain: they had to act fast.

_October 18th, 5:10 PM_

Kashif gripped his phone tightly. "I should let Aiza know."

Javed halted him with a hand on his shoulder. "Not yet. We should handle this. Let Aiza and Lubna breathe a little."

Kashif nodded and tucked his phone away.

_October 18th, 5:20 PM_

Their car sped through Karachi's streets, the city lights blurring together.

_October 18th, 5:30 PM_

Kashif and Javed arrived at Al Najaf Cafe, chaos erupting around them. Shattering glass, screams, and overturned tables filled the air.

Inside, henchmen wreaked havoc, sending patrons fleeing.

Kashif scanned the mayhem for Fahad. "He's here somewhere."

Javed drew his gun, his voice firm. "Stay sharp."

Suddenly, Fahad emerged from the shadows, his eyes locked onto Kashif and Javed.

A sly smile spread across his face, and his pistol glinted in the dim light.

Mr. Ansari cowered behind the counter, then slumped as Fahad's shot echoed through the cafe.

Fahad vanished into the night, leaving Kashif and Javed amidst the c*****e.

The scent of gunpowder and fear hung heavy in the air.

Kashif's eyes narrowed. "We need to find Fahad."

Javed secured the scene, his voice low and urgent. "First, we call this in."

Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder.

Their hunt for Fahad had begun.

_October 18th, 6:00 PM_

Aiza and Lubna sat in the food court of Karachi's largest mall, enjoying dinner amidst the bustle. The aroma of diverse cuisines filled the air.

The TV screens above the food stalls flickered to life, broadcasting breaking news.

"...Al Najaf Cafe shooting unfolds," the news anchor announced.

Footage showed masked henchmen attacking and spreading chaos. Aiza's eyes widened as the camera panned to Inspector Kashif Malik and ex-military Javed Ahmed, clearly visible amidst the turmoil.

Lubna gasped. "Oh no! Kashif and Javed are there!"

Aiza's face paled. "What's happening?"

The news anchor continued, "Eyewitnesses report multiple injuries, and one confirmed fatality, Mr. Ansari, the cafe owner."

The TV screens showed police cordoning off the area and reporters swarming outside Al Najaf Cafe.

"...Inspector Kashif Malik and Javed Ahmed were spotted at the scene, attempting to intervene," the news anchor clarified.

Aiza's worry intensified. "We need to call them."

She dialed Kashif's number.

Voicemail.

"Kashif, it's Aiza. Call us. Now."

Their phones buzzed with notifications.

"Al Najaf Cafe shooting: Questions arise about Inspector Kashif Malik and Javed Ahmed's presence at the scene. Were they investigating or caught in the crossfire?"

Another news channel flashed on the screen.

"Al Najaf Cafe shooting: Authorities urge caution, citing ongoing investigation. Inspector Kashif Malik and Javed Ahmed's involvement sparks curiosity."

Aiza's concern deepened. "What's going on, Lubna?"

Lubna's eyes remained fixed on the screen. "I don't know, but Kashif will tell us soon."

The mall's background noise faded as they focused on the unfolding news.

_October 18th, 6:10 PM_

Kashif and Javed returned to the crime scene, exhausted and frustrated. The flashing police lights illuminated their tense faces, casting an eerie glow on the wet pavement.

The smell of gunpowder and blood lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby food cart. Police officers and forensic experts worked diligently, their murmurs and rustling equipment filling the background.

Kashif's voice was laced with anger and regret. "We were so close, Javed. I had him in my sights."

Javed's expression was grim, his jaw clenched. "We'll get him next time, Kashif."

Kashif's eyes scanned the chaos, taking in the shattered glass, overturned tables, and scattered debris. The sound of sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder.

---

_Across town, in a black sedan speeding away from the chaos:_

Fahad Khan's voice was calm, detached, as he spoke into the phone. "It's done, Zahid Sahab. Mr. Ansari's dead."

Amira's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, her eyes reflecting the passing streetlights like tiny mirrors. The soft hum of the engine and gentle hiss of the air conditioning filled the cabin.

Zahid Rahmani's voice crackled over the phone. "Well done, Fahad. Your payment will be transferred shortly."

Fahad's smile was fleeting, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Thank you, sir."

The city lights blurred outside as they drove into the night, the darkness swallowing them whole.

---

_Back at the crime scene_

Just as Kashif was about to brief his team, his phone buzzed, shrill in the tense silence. Aiza's frantic voice echoed.

"Kashif, where are you? We saw the news... What's going on?"

Kashif's expression softened, his eyes closing briefly as he took a deep breath. "I'm fine, Aiza. I'll explain everything soon."

But before he could reassure her further, a chilling message flashed on his phone:

"Next target: Aiza"

Kashif's heart sank, his grip on the phone tightening. The sounds around him faded, replaced by the pounding of his heart.

To be continued...