Scene 1 — The Staffroom Gathering
It was the morning of 15th August. The staffroom at City School was filled with the smell of freshly brewed tea and murmurs of excited conversation. Teachers were still glowing with pride after the success of the previous day's function.
Principal Uzma Rashid walked in, holding a neat folder under her arm. She adjusted her dupatta and smiled warmly at the staff.
"Assalamualaikum, teachers."
"Wa Alaikum Assalam," they chorused, rising slightly in respect.
Uzma gestured for them to sit. She took her chair at the center of the round table and looked around.
"I must say, yesterday's program was one of the finest Independence Day functions we have organized."
Miss Nadia, the coordinator, replied, "Yes, Madam. The students gave their best, especially the younger ones. Ubaid's speech… everyone was still talking about it."
Miss Abrish added, "And Irfan's performance in the tablo — such energy from such a small child!"
Uzma chuckled. "Indeed. And let us not forget the drama. It moved even the minister to tears."
The room hummed in agreement.
Miss Erum leaned forward. "Madam, the Education Minister's visit has given us prestige. Parents will feel proud to send their children here. His words about our Montessori-to-Primary branch are already spreading in the community."
Uzma nodded, her tone turning formal.
"It is an honor that the Education Minister himself came to our branch, which is still young compared to senior sections. This shows our efforts are being recognized. But we must not let this pride make us careless. From today onward, we should raise the bar even higher."
Miss Nadia sipped her tea thoughtfully.
"You're right, Madam. Excellence should be continuous, not seasonal."
A young teacher, Miss Saira, hesitated before speaking. "Madam, parents were taking videos yesterday. Already some clips have gone viral in WhatsApp groups. They're praising the discipline and the decorations."
Uzma smiled. "That is free publicity. But remember, our real success is in shaping these children. Let's keep our focus."
Everyone nodded firmly.
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Scene 2 — Rimsha and Imran at Amana Superstore
Across the city, the morning was busy at Amana Superstore. The green and white decorations from Independence Day still hung proudly at the entrance, fluttering in the breeze. Customers poured in through the sliding doors, baskets already half-filled.
Inside the office, Rimsha sat at her desk, checking sales reports on the computer. Imran, the general manager, entered holding a register.
"Rimsha baji, yesterday being a holiday didn't slow us down. Today, the crowd is even bigger. Just look at these numbers."
He handed her the register. Rimsha scanned it quickly, her eyes lighting up.
"SubhanAllah! Sales are climbing day by day. People are trusting our quality — that's the real victory."
Imran grinned. "Customers keep saying they love the stitching of the clothes. And word of mouth is pulling in new families daily."
Rimsha leaned back in her chair. "Do you know, Imran, when we started this store, some people thought it wouldn't last against big malls. But now look — our honesty and quality have spoken for us."
Imran nodded seriously. "And your leadership has been the backbone, Baji. Even the staff are motivated after the salary gift and Independence Day suits you gave them. They feel respected."
At that moment, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Rimsha said.
Two salesboys entered nervously. "Baji, stock of men's shalwar kameez is running low. Should we reorder immediately?"
Rimsha looked at Imran.
He replied, "Yes, call the supplier today. We can't afford shortages during this festive season."
The boys left quickly, relieved.
Rimsha smiled. "Imran, this pace is only the beginning. We must plan expansion soon. Maybe a second branch next year, InshaAllah."
Imran's eyes widened. "That would be a dream come true."
They both returned to work, energized by the thought of growth.
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Scene 3 — A New Case for Haroon
Meanwhile, at the city police headquarters, Inspector Haroon sat at his cluttered desk. Files were stacked high, and the air smelled faintly of cigarette smoke. His phone rang.
"Haroon sahib, another case has come in," a constable reported breathlessly. "A bank at Model Town has been robbed early this morning."
Haroon's brow furrowed. "Robbed? Any casualties?"
"Alhamdulillah, no casualties. But the robbers escaped with nearly ten million rupees."
Haroon slammed his palm on the desk.
"Again! This is the second bank robbery in two months. Do they think the police are blind?"
He grabbed his cap and gun holster. "Get the jeep ready. We're going to the crime scene."
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Scene 4 — At the Crime Scene
The bank branch in Model Town was swarming with police officers, yellow tape stretched across the entrance. Customers who had witnessed the event stood outside, shaken.
Haroon arrived, his sharp eyes scanning the scene. He approached the branch manager, who was pale with shock.
"Tell me everything," Haroon demanded.
The manager stammered, "They came at around 9:15 a.m. — four men in masks, armed with pistols. They forced us to open the cash vault. It all happened so fast… less than ten minutes."
Haroon asked, "Any cameras?"
The manager hesitated. "Yes… but they destroyed two before leaving. Only the outside camera might have caught their vehicle."
Haroon turned to his constables. "Check the CCTV footage immediately. And talk to every witness. Someone must have noticed something."
One elderly man stepped forward nervously.
"Inspector sahib… I saw them running out. They got into a white Corolla, no number plate."
Haroon clenched his jaw. "Smart criminals. But no one vanishes into thin air. They must have a hideout nearby."
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Scene 5 — Police Strategy
Back at headquarters, Haroon spread the city map on the table. His team gathered around.
"These robbers are not amateurs. They slipped away within minutes, like they knew our patrol routes. That means either they have strong planning… or inside information."
A constable added, "Sir, people are losing faith. Everyone is asking how the robbers escape every time."
Haroon's eyes burned with determination. "Not this time. We'll tighten the net. Set up blockades at all major exits of the city. Search every white Corolla. And check old records — these could be the same men involved in the previous robbery."
The team dispersed, energized by Haroon's fierce resolve.
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Scene 6 — Evening Reflections
As evening descended, the city bustled in its usual rhythm — students returning home, families shopping, and police sirens wailing faintly in the distance.
At the school, teachers left for home, their hearts still light with pride. Principal Uzma, locking her office, whispered to herself:
"Ya Allah, bless this institution and these children. Yesterday was a milestone, but tomorrow must be even brighter."
At Amana Superstore, Rimsha and Imran stood near the entrance, watching satisfied customers leave with full shopping bags.
"Alhamdulillah," Rimsha murmured. "This store has become more than a business. It is trust — and we must protect it."
Imran replied, "With honesty and hard work, we will InshaAllah."
Meanwhile, Haroon sat in his dark office, staring at the map lit by a single lamp. His mind replayed every detail of the robbery.
"They can run today," he muttered, "but they won't hide forever."
The ticking clock on the wall echoed his resolve.
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End of Chapter