Beyond the Veil

Chapter 10. Beyond the Headlines

_October 17th, 8:00 PM_

_Karachi Press Club_

The fluorescent lights overhead cast a sterile glow, illuminating the crowded room. Reporters, camera crews, and news anchors packed the space, their murmurs and rustling papers filling the air. Outside, protesters waved placards and chanted slogans, their voices muffled by the thick glass windows.

Inside, TV screens displayed a split-screen montage: Commissioner Khan's press conference on one side, Aiza Farooq's talk show appearance on the other. News anchors analyzed every word, every gesture, their voices rising and falling in a crescendo of debate.

"Commissioner Khan's statement has sparked outrage," declared anchorperson Ali Hassan on Geo News, his deep voice resonating through the room. "Many are questioning the investigation's credibility." His words echoed off the walls, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the hum of printers.

On Express News, anchorperson Sara Khan countered, "But what about Aiza Farooq's lack of concrete evidence? Is she merely seeking attention?" Her sharp tone cut through the din, prompting nods and murmurs from the crowd.

In the press club's main hall, reporters tapped away on their laptops, the soft clacking of keys creating a steady rhythm. The air was thick with tension, heavy with anticipation.

_Café Logic, Karachi_

Nayla sipped her cappuccino, the rich aroma mingling with the sweet scent of pastries. Her eyes fixed on the TV screen behind the counter, where Commissioner Khan's press conference replayed. Pundits debated, their voices rising in a heated exchange.

"I don't trust Commissioner Khan," Nayla said to her friend Amna, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's clearly covering up something." She leaned in, her dark hair falling around her face like a curtain.

Amna shrugged, her silver necklace glinting in the café's soft light. "But what if Aiza's allegations are baseless? We can't just accuse people without proof." Her brow furrowed, concern etched on her features.

Nayla frowned, her eyes narrowing. "You're not seeing the bigger picture. This is about corruption, Amna. We need to demand accountability." Her voice grew passionate, drawing glances from nearby patrons.

_Social Media_

Twitter was ablaze with hashtags #JusticeForAmir, #AizaFarooq, and #CommissionerKhan. Online debates raged, with some supporting Aiza's courage and others dismissing her claims as conspiracy theories. Notifications pinged, alerts flashing on screens across the city.

Facebook groups dedicated to discussing Karachi's underworld and corruption filled with passionate discussions. Posts and comments poured in, ranging from outraged to skeptical. Emojis and GIFs added a visual layer to the debate.

_Radio Pakistan_

On the popular radio show "Karachi Morning," host Faisal Khan fielded calls from listeners. His smooth voice navigated the discussion, ensuring a balance of perspectives.

"Hello, I'm Muhammad from Clifton. I believe Aiza Farooq is a brave woman, standing up against corruption," one caller said, his voice crackling through the radio.

Another caller, Rabia from North Nazimabad, countered, "But what about proof? We can't just take her word for it." Her voice was laced with doubt.

Faisal Khan moderated the discussion, his words a gentle breeze calming the stormy debate.

As the city debated, Aiza Farooq and her team watched from their safehouse, anxiously monitoring the public's reaction. The soft hum of the air conditioner and the ticking clock provided a soothing background melody, but their minds raced with uncertainty. Would they continue to support her, or would Commissioner Khan's press conference undermine their efforts?

_October 17th, 8:30 PM_

_Safehouse, Karachi_

The soft hum of the air conditioner and muted voices filled the living room. Aiza's team gathered around, laptops and notes scattered before them. Kashif poured coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the tension.

"Alright, let's assess the situation," Kashif said, handing Aiza a cup.

Javed spoke up, "Where's Lubna? She's usually here by now."

Aiza's gaze swept the room, realizing Lubna's absence.

"I'll check on her," Aiza said, setting her cup aside.

She walked down the hallway, her footsteps muffled by the soft carpet. Aiza knocked gently on Lubna's door.

No response.

Aiza opened the door, finding Lubna sitting alone, Amir's photo clutched in her hands. Soft tears streamed down Lubna's face, her eyes red-rimmed. The dim lamp beside her cast a warm glow.

Aiza's heart ached. She approached Lubna quietly, sitting beside her.

"Lubna, I'm so sorry," Aiza whispered, putting a gentle hand on Lubna's shoulder.

Lubna looked up, her eyes welling with fresh tears.

"I feel like I've failed Amir," Lubna whispered, her voice cracking.

Aiza enveloped Lubna in a warm hug.

"You haven't failed anyone, Lubna. We're in this together."

As they hugged, Aiza realized she'd been so consumed by the investigation that she'd neglected Lubna's pain.

"I'm sorry I haven't been there for you more," Aiza said, her voice filled with regret.

Lubna pulled back, wiping her tears.

"You've been fighting for justice, Aiza. That's what matters."

Aiza smiled softly.

"We're fighting together, Lubna. Your strength inspires me."

The two women sat in silence for a moment, hands clasped, sharing their grief.

Then, Aiza stood, helping Lubna up.

"Let's join the others. We have work to do."

Lubna nodded, a faint smile on her face.

Together, they returned to the living room.

_October 17th, 8:45 PM_

_Zahid Rahmani's Office_

Zahid Rahmani leaned back in his leather chair, eyes fixed on the TV screen as Commissioner Khan's press conference replayed. His team, including Fahad Khan, gathered around the conference table.

"Well done, Commissioner Khan," Zahid Rahmani said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "He's managed to spin this in our favor."

Fahad Khan's expression remained tense, his jaw clenched.

"But what about Aiza Farooq?" Fahad Khan asked, his voice laced with concern. "She won't back down easily."

Zahid Rahmani waved his hand dismissively.

"Commissioner Khan has neutralized her allegations, for now. We'll monitor the situation and adjust our strategy accordingly."

The office was dimly lit, with only a few table lamps illuminating the space. The soft glow cast long shadows on the walls.

Fahad Khan's eyes narrowed.

"What if Aiza finds more evidence?"

Zahid Rahmani's smile was reassuring.

"We've taken precautions. Our contacts within the police department will keep us informed. Besides, Commissioner Khan owes us a favor. He won't let Aiza's allegations harm us."

The TV screen flickered, displaying news anchors analyzing Commissioner Khan's statement. Zahid Rahmani's team exchanged confident glances.

"We're in control," Zahid Rahmani said, standing up. "Let's keep it that way."

Fahad Khan nodded, though his expression remained uneasy.

As the team began discussing their next moves, Zahid Rahmani's phone buzzed. He answered, listening briefly.

"Excuse me," he said, stepping out of the room.

The door closed behind him, leaving Fahad Khan and the team to ponder their strategy.

_October 17th, 8:50 PM_

_Sialkot, Nalina's Residence_

Nalina sat on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV screen as news anchors analyzed Commissioner Khan's press conference. Her son, Asad (3), and daughter, Aleena (2), played quietly with blocks on the floor.

The TV screen flashed images of Aiza Farooq and Fahad Khan, Nalina's husband. Her brow furrowed, worry etched on her face.

Asad looked up, sensing his mother's tension.

"Mama, what's wrong?" he asked.

Nalina forced a smile.

"Nothing, beta. Just watching the news."

Aleena toddled over, clutching her favorite doll.

"Mama?"

Nalina hugged Aleena tight, trying to calm her own racing thoughts.

Nalina's gaze returned to the TV. Fahad's involvement with Zahid Rahmani Corporation and Aiza's allegations made her anxious.

She reached for her phone, thinking of calling Fahad, but stopped herself. He'd call when he could.

The room fell silent, except for the TV's murmur and children's gentle play.

Nalina's eyes remained on the screen, her mind with Fahad.

_October 17th, 9:00 PM_

_Safehouse, Karachi_

Aiza's team gathered around the living room, laptops, and notes scattered before them.

"We can't trust Commissioner Khan," Aiza said, her voice firm. "He's clearly working for Zahid Rahmani Corporation."

Kashif nodded.

"He wasn't protecting you before your k********g, Aiza. He was warning you."

Aiza's eyes narrowed.

"When I refused to stop investigating, I was kidn*pped. It's clear now."

Lubna's phone buzzed, breaking the tension.

"Lubna, can you take this?" Aiza asked.

Lubna stood, answering the call.

"Hello?"

A pause.

"Yes, I'm listening."

Lubna's expression changed from curiosity to surprise.

"Who is this?"

Another pause.

"CEO of Pakistan News Network? Why are you calling me?"

The room fell silent, eyes on Lubna.

"I'm listening, sir... A talk show? Hosting?"

Aiza raised an eyebrow.

"What's going on, Lubna?"

Lubna covered the phone.

"It's Faraz Ahmed, CEO of Pakistan News Network. He wants me to host a talk show."

Kashif's eyes lit up.

"That's a great opportunity."

Lubna returned to the call.

"Yes, sir. I'm interested... But why me?"

A pause.

"I see. You want to keep investigating Rahmani Corporation... I understand."

Aiza's curiosity piqued.

"What's he saying, Lubna?"

Lubna's voice was barely above a whisper.

"He says they've been silenced, but he wants to expose Rahmani Corporation's truth. He also mentioned that he texted you, Aiza, after Commissioner Khan's press conference, telling you not to give up and that they believe in you."

Aiza's eyes widened.

"That was him? I wondered who sent that text."

Lubna nodded.

"Yes, sir. We're interested."

The call ended, and Lubna's eyes met Aiza's.

"This could be our chance," Lubna said.

Aiza smiled.

"Let's take it."

To Be Continued...