Scene 1 — The Arrival of Colonel Zubair Shah
Location: Islamabad Police Headquarters, 10:15 a.m.
The morning sun glared softly over the tall iron gate of the Islamabad Police Headquarters. The buzz of officers moving about, the sound of boots echoing on the tiled floor, and the occasional ring of telephones filled the air. Inspector Haseeb stood straight near the main entrance, his uniform neat, his face carrying the satisfaction of a mission that had come to a turning point.
A black SUV, followed by two jeeps, rolled into the compound. The flags on the hoods fluttered lightly — a symbol that the Inter-Services Intelligence had arrived. Colonel Zubair Shah stepped out, his eyes sharp, his demeanor calm but authoritative. His presence instantly commanded attention. Behind him were two ISI officers in plain clothes, carrying briefcases.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Colonel Sahib!" Haseeb greeted, saluting him firmly.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Inspector." Zubair replied, shaking his hand. "I received your report and photographs last night. Excellent work — very thorough."
"Thank you, sir. All evidence and the detained suspects are ready for your custody."
Zubair nodded. "Let's proceed."
They walked through the corridor lined with files and noticeboards. The door labeled 'Intelligence Coordination Cell' opened as Haseeb guided the Colonel and his men inside. On the table lay folders, hard drives, and photographs of Vijay Shankar, Yashwant Teja, and Juginder Singh — now identified as RAW operatives who had crossed the border to conduct organized financial attacks in Pakistan.
Zubair adjusted his glasses and examined the evidence silently for several minutes. Then he spoke, his tone low but decisive.
"Inspector, you've done something commendable. These men were not just robbers; they were trained operatives working to fund covert cells. Finding their original service cards—" he tapped the laminated ID with his finger, "—that's more than evidence; it's proof of an international link."
Haseeb stood firm. "Sir, we preserved every detail. The money trails, surveillance footage, and their digital fingerprints — all in those drives."
Zubair looked at his assistant. "Mark this case under Operation Iron Veil. We'll handle the rest."
He turned back to Haseeb and smiled faintly. "I'll take it from here. On behalf of the agency, I thank you and DSP Haroon for your vigilance."
"Sir, DSP Haroon is still in recovery at Shifa General Hospital," Haseeb said.
"Ah, yes." Zubair's expression softened. "A brave man. I'll call him personally."
As the paperwork was signed and evidence sealed into military custody, the weight of the case visibly shifted from the police department to national intelligence. The suspects, handcuffed and surrounded by ISI personnel, were escorted quietly to the convoy.
Before leaving, Zubair turned to Haseeb.
"Keep your team ready. I might need your support for follow-up coordination. But as of now, your job here is done, Inspector."
"Understood, Colonel."
The Colonel saluted slightly before stepping into the SUV. Within moments, the vehicles pulled out, their engines humming lowly into the distance.
---
Scene 2 — The Call from the Colonel
Location: Shifa General Hospital, VIP Ward, 12:40 p.m.
Inside the peaceful silence of the private hospital room, Haroon lay resting. His left arm still carried bandages, but his color had returned. The soft beeping of the monitor was steady, like a metronome of life. Maryam sat by his side, reading quietly from a small pocket-sized Qur'an.
Imran and Rimsha entered, followed by little Ubaid and young Irfan, both holding a small bouquet they had picked from the garden.
"Papa!" Ubaid exclaimed, rushing toward him. "Mama said you'll come home soon!"
Haroon smiled, his voice gentle but filled with warmth.
"Insha'Allah, my boy. Very soon."
Before another word could be exchanged, Haroon's phone on the side table began to vibrate. Maryam picked it up, checking the screen.
"Haroon, it's Colonel Zubair Shah."
Haroon immediately grew attentive. He gestured for her to pass the phone.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Colonel."
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Haroon Sahib." Zubair's voice came through, steady and commanding yet filled with genuine respect. "I wanted to inform you personally — we've taken over the RAW agents and all the collected evidence. The credit goes to you and your team. Without your precision and loyalty, this would have been buried under bureaucracy."
Haroon exhaled deeply. "It was teamwork, Colonel. Inspector Haseeb did an excellent job. I'm just relieved the truth came to light."
"You've done your part for the country once again," Zubair said. "Focus on your recovery now. The nation needs men like you healthy and strong."
"Thank you, sir. That means a lot."
"Get well soon, Haroon. We'll meet once you're back on your feet. Khuda Hafiz."
"Khuda Hafiz, sir."
When Haroon placed the phone down, Maryam looked at him expectantly. "What did he say?"
Haroon smiled faintly. "The case is officially in ISI's hands now. They've confirmed the culprits were Indian army officers… agents of RAW. It's over, Maryam."
Her eyes shimmered with relief. "Alhamdulillah… finally."
Ubaid, who had been listening quietly, tugged on Haroon's sleeve. "Papa, you're like a hero!"
Haroon chuckled softly. "No, my son. I'm just a servant of my duty. The real heroes are those who never stop praying for their loved ones."
Maryam's eyes grew moist. "We all prayed — every night. Allah answered."
---
Scene 3 — Doctor Faisal's Visit
Location: Hospital Room, 2:30 p.m.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted their warm moment. Doctor Faisal, wearing his white coat and a reassuring smile, entered the room holding a clipboard.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, everyone. How's our brave patient today?"
"Much better, doctor," Haroon said. "I can almost feel my strength coming back."
Faisal nodded approvingly and began his check-up, pressing gently on Haroon's arm and chest, observing the wound area and reviewing his pulse. After a few minutes, he set the stethoscope aside.
"Well," he said, looking at Maryam and then at Haroon, "I think I finally have good news to share."
Maryam's heart raced. "Really, Doctor?"
"Yes." He smiled warmly. "Your recovery has been remarkable. If everything stays stable, by tomorrow evening you can go home."
A joyful gasp escaped Maryam's lips. The children jumped in delight, their voices echoing softly in the room.
"Yay! Papa's coming home!" shouted Irfan, clapping his small hands.
Haroon looked at the doctor gratefully. "That's the best news I've heard in weeks."
Faisal laughed. "You earned it, Haroon Sahib. Rest well tonight, eat light, and be ready to leave tomorrow evening. But remember— no field work for at least two months."
"Understood, Doctor," Haroon said with a smile. "I'll follow orders this time."
Doctor Faisal chuckled and made his way out, leaving behind a wave of happiness in the room.
---
Scene 4 — Evening Reflections
Location: Hospital Garden, 6:00 p.m.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Imran and Rimsha sat on a bench in the hospital garden, watching Ubaid and Irfan chase each other among the trees. The soft hum of the city blended with the distant call of Maghrib azan.
Rimsha looked thoughtful. "You know, Imran… seeing Haroon recovering feels like seeing hope come back. For a moment, I was so scared for Maryam. She didn't sleep, didn't eat for days."
Imran nodded, folding his arms. "She's stronger than she looks. The way she stood by Haroon… that's real love."
"Hmm," Rimsha smiled faintly. "You're right."
From the window above, Maryam looked down at them, a small smile on her tired face. She could hear the laughter of her children and the low murmur of her sister's voice. For the first time in weeks, she felt peace returning to her soul.
She turned back toward Haroon, who was half-sitting on the bed, sipping his soup slowly. His eyes met hers, and he said softly,
"Maryam… do you remember what I told you the night before my operation?"
She nodded. "You said, 'Never lose faith, no matter how dark the tunnel seems.'"
Haroon smiled. "Exactly. You didn't lose it — and that's why I'm still here."
Maryam reached out and placed her hand over his. "Because you're my strength, Haroon. And I promised Allah that if you came back, I would never take a single day for granted again."
---
Scene 5 — The Family's Joy
Location: Hospital Room, Night 8:30 p.m.
The family gathered around Haroon once more before leaving for the night. Rimsha brought some home-cooked biryani, and the smell filled the room. The children sat near their father, telling him stories of their school celebrations on Independence Day and how Ubaid had won second prize in speech competition.
"Papa, when you come home, can we hang the Pakistani flag together again?" asked Ubaid eagerly.
"Of course, my little soldier," Haroon smiled. "We'll put it on the balcony together."
Laughter filled the room. Even the nurse passing by couldn't help but smile at the cheerful sight — a family reunited, hearts mended, hope reborn.
As the night settled, Maryam whispered a quiet dua of gratitude. Haroon watched her, his heart full of thankfulness for a life spared and a love that endured.
---
By the time the lights dimmed and silence wrapped the hospital corridor, one thing was certain — after months of chaos and pain, peace had finally returned to Haroon's world. The battle was over, justice had been served, and tomorrow would bring the sweetest reward: home.
---
End of Chapter