Beyond the Veil

Chapter 13. Secrets & Suspicions

_October 18th, 8:00 PM_

_News Studio, Karachi_

The breaking news theme music faded, its urgent notes lingering in the air as anchor Farah Hussain appeared on screen with a serious expression, her eyes locked onto the camera lens. The studio lights cast a warm glow on her face, accentuating the gravity of the situation.

Farah Hussain: "Welcome back to 'Tonight with Farah Hussain' on KTN (Karachi Television Network). We're continuing our coverage of the Al Najaf Cafe shooting, which has left Karachi reeling. Mr. Ansari, the cafe's owner, tragically lost his life."

The camera panned across the studio, revealing a group of analysts and journalists seated across from Farah. The soft hum of the studio equipment provided a subtle background noise, punctuated by the occasional rustle of papers or creak of leather chairs.

Farah Hussain: "Joining me tonight are security expert, General (Retd.) Talat Javed; investigative journalist, Ali Khan; and legal analyst, Asma Rizvi."

General Talat Javed leaned forward, his voice firm and authoritative.

General Talat Javed: "The key question remains: was Mr. Ansari specifically targeted, or was this a random act of violence?"

Ali Khan scribbled notes on his pad, the scratching of his pen echoing through the studio.

Ali Khan: "Sources suggest Mr. Ansari had received threats from unknown individuals. Was this a coordinated attack?"

Asma Rizvi adjusted her glasses, her eyes narrowing.

Asma Rizvi: "Legally, the investigation must consider all angles. Was Mr. Ansari's death, a premeditated act?"

Farah Hussain's expression turned inquisitive.

Farah Hussain: "Another mystery surrounds Inspector Kashif Malik and Javed Ahmed's sudden arrival at the scene. Were they tracking a lead?"

General Talat Javed: "Their presence raises more questions. Were they monitoring Mr. Ansari's activities?"

Ali Khan looked up from his notes.

Ali Khan: "Or did they receive intel about a potential threat?"

Asma Rizvi: "Transparency is crucial. The authorities must clarify their involvement."

The camera cut to footage of protesters outside the Karachi Police Headquarters. The sounds of chanting and slogan-shouting filled the air, accompanied by the flashing lights of police vehicles.

Farah Hussain: "The public demands answers. We'll continue to investigate and bring you updates."

The studio lights dimmed slightly, signalling the end of the broadcast.

_October 18th, 8:30 PM_

_Safehouse, Karachi_

The fluorescent lights hummed above, casting a sterile glow over the cramped room. Aiza paced back and forth, her footsteps echoing off the bare walls. Her eyes blazed with concern, her brow furrowed.

Aiza: "What were you doing there, Kashif? Javed, you too. How did you know about the shooting?"

Kashif leaned against the wall, his expression somber. His voice was low and even.

Kashif: "Fahad called me, Aiza. He challenged me to stop him. We had to act fast."

Javed stood by the window, his eyes scanning the darkness outside. He turned, his voice calm.

Javed: "Fahad gave us the address, Al Najaf Cafe. We knew Mr. Ansari was in danger."

Aiza stopped pacing, her voice trembling. She clenched her fists.

Aiza: "Why didn't you tell me? I had a right to know."

Kashif pushed off the wall, his footsteps quiet on the tile floor. He stopped before Aiza, his eyes locked onto hers.

Kashif: "We couldn't risk putting you in harm's way, Aiza. Fahad's unpredictable."

The air conditioner hummed, cooling the tense atmosphere. Lubna sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on Aiza.

Javed's voice remained calm.

Javed: "We'll protect you, Aiza. That's our priority."

Aiza's gaze lingered on Kashif, her eyes searching.

Aiza: "What's Fahad's next move?"

Kashif's jaw clenched. His voice dropped to a whisper.

Kashif: "He's coming after you, Aiza. The message was clear: 'Next target: Aiza'."

Lubna's eyes widened. She rose from the couch.

Lubna: "We need to increase security."

Javed nodded. His phone beeped, and he checked the screen.

Javed: "Already on it. We'll keep you safe, Aiza."

Aiza's face paled. Her voice steadied.

Aiza: "I won't hide. We need to stop Fahad."

Kashif's eyes locked onto hers. His voice was resolute.

Kashif: "We will, Aiza. Together."

The room fell silent, the only sound of the hum of the fluorescent lights.

_October 18th, 9:30 PM_

_Zahid Rahmani's Mansion, Karachi_

Zahid Rahmani leaned back in his plush leather chair, steepling his fingers. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light on his face.

"Gentlemen, the mission was a resounding success. Mr. Ansari's elimination paves the way for our business interests."

Fahad's eyes sparkled as he raised his tea cup to his lips, his smile spreading across his face.

"Al-Najaf Café is now under our control. We can expand our operations without interference."

Amira nodded, her gaze locked onto Fahad, her brow furrowed.

"With the café secured, our next steps should focus on consolidating power."

Fahad's smile grew wider as he set his cup down.

"And I made sure Kashif Malik witnessed Mr. Ansari's execution. He knows we mean business."

Zahid Rahmani's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

"Kashif's a formidable opponent. We must keep him in check."

Amira's gaze never wavered from Fahad.

"You're confident he won't interfere?"

Fahad chuckled, a low, menacing sound.

"Kashif's reactive, not proactive. We'll stay ahead."

Zahid Rahmani nodded, his fingers drumming against the armrest.

"Proceed with caution. Our next move will determine the outcome."

The grandfather clock ticked softly in the background, the only sound in the silence that followed.

_October 18th, 10:00 PM_

_Safehouse, Karachi_

Lubna paced the cramped room, her footsteps echoing off the bare walls. The fluorescent lights hummed above, casting an unforgiving glare.

"It's been four days since Amir was taken from me. Four days, and the police still have nothing."

Aiza's hands grasped Lubna's shoulders, halting her pacing. Lubna's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, met Aiza's.

"Lubna, we're doing everything we can," Aiza said softly.

Lubna shook off Aiza's grasp, her voice cracking. "Everything you can? The police aren't even trying!" She slammed her fist on the small table, making the lamp tremble.

Kashif's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. His fists tightened, knuckles white.

Lubna's voice rose. "Commissioner Khan is corrupt, and he's covering up the truth!" She crumpled onto the couch, sobbing uncontrollably.

Javed's eyes dropped, his shoulders sagging. He rubbed his temples, his face etched with concern.

Aiza sat beside Lubna, wrapping her arms around her. Lubna's body shuddered, her cries echoing through the room.

Kashif's eyes locked onto Lubna, his face set in determination. He stood, his chair scraping against the floor.

"We'll find justice, Lubna. No matter what it takes," he said, his voice firm.

The room fell silent, the only sound Lubna's muffled cries and the hum of the fluorescent lights.

_October 19th, 10:00 AM_

_Safehouse, Karachi_

Lubna sat at the small desk, surrounded by scattered notes and newspaper clippings. Amir's photo stared back, his warm smile a haunting reminder.

She stood, her gaze locked on Commissioner Khan's address scribbled on a sticky note. The pen lay abandoned, a thin line of ink bleeding across the paper.

Lubna grabbed her bag, the leather creaking as she slung it over her shoulder. She slipped on her sunglasses, the frames glinting in the morning light. Her hair was swiftly tied into a ponytail, the strands slicking back to reveal her determined face.

In front of the mirror, Lubna adjusted her scarf, ensuring her identity was concealed. The fabric whispered softly as she tucked stray strands beneath.

She took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs. Her journalist's badge was clipped on, the metallic clasp snapping securely. Lubna checked her recorder, the small screen flickering to life.

Without a word, Lubna left the safehouse, the door closing with a soft click. Kashif, Javed, and Aiza remained oblivious to her departure, their murmured conversations fading into the background.

_Outside Commissioner Khan's Office_

The Karachi Police Headquarters loomed before her, its imposing structure a testament to authority. The building's granite façade glinted, reflecting the morning sun.

Lubna's heels clicked on the marble floor as she entered, the sound echoing through the cavernous lobby. The receptionist looked up, her eyes narrowing.

Lubna flashed her journalist's badge, the movement swift and practiced.

"The receptionist nodded, dialing a number. 'Commissioner Khan will see you now.'"

Lubna's heart pounded, the beat throbbing in her temples. She walked down the corridor, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. The aroma mingled with the faint tang of disinfectant.

Commissioner Khan's assistant ushered her into his office, the door swinging open with a soft creak.

Commissioner Khan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. His hands were steepled, the fingers intertwined.

Lubna's gaze locked onto his, her eyes narrowing.

The soft creak of the chair filled the room. "Ms. Hassan, good morning. What brings you to my office today?"

Lubna's grip on her recorder tightened, her knuckles whitening. She leaned forward, her eyes locked on Commissioner Khan's. "Good morning, Commissioner. I'm here to discuss the Amir Hassan and Jillani murder cases."

Commissioner Khan's smile never wavered, but his eyes flickered briefly. "Still under investigation, I'm afraid. No comments at this time."

Lubna's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowing. She scribbled a note on her pad, the pen scratching against the paper. "I understand. However, sources suggest potential police involvement."

Commissioner Khan leaned back, steepling his fingers. His nails clicked softly against each other. "Rumors and speculation, Ms. Hassan. We're committed to justice."

Lubna's gaze locked onto his, her eyes burning with intensity. She leaned forward, her voice taking on a determined tone. "Can you confirm whether any officers have been questioned or suspended?"

Commissioner Khan's pause was almost imperceptible. He shifted in his seat, the chair creaking softly. "All procedures are being followed, Ms. Hassan. I assure you, we're leaving no stone unturned."

Lubna sensed evasion. Her lips pressed together, forming a thin line. "Commissioner, can I quote you on that?"

Commissioner Khan nodded, his smile returning. The creases around his eyes deepened. "Of course, Ms. Hassan. But let's focus on facts, not speculation."

Lubna smiled, her eyes never leaving his. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "I'll make sure to clarify that in my report."

The tension between them was palpable, like a living thing. Commissioner Khan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his desk. His eyes seemed to bore into Lubna's. "Ms. Hassan, I appreciate your diligence. But remember, justice requires patience."

Lubna's voice remained steady, but her hand trembled slightly as she adjusted her recorder. "I understand, Commissioner. But the public demands transparency."

Commissioner Khan's eyes flashed with warning, his pupils constricting. His voice took on a low, measured tone. "I'm aware of public sentiment, Ms. Hassan. Your report will reflect the facts, I trust?"

Lubna nodded, her jaw clenched. Her eyes locked onto Commissioner Khan's, a silent challenge passing between them. "Always, Commissioner. Facts and truth."

To Be Continued...