Scene 1 — Homecoming
Location: Haroon's House — 6:15 p.m.
The evening sunlight dipped warmly across the quiet street as the white Honda parked gently in front of Haroon's house. Imran stepped out first, followed by Rimsha, who opened the back door for Maryam. Finally, Haroon stepped out slowly, his movements careful but steady. His bandage had been reduced; only a small strip remained on his left arm.
Maryam held his hand, smiling through teary eyes.
"Welcome home, Haroon…" she whispered.
Ubaid and Irfan stood at the door, holding a garland of paper flowers they had made themselves.
As soon as Haroon reached the doorstep, both boys shouted together,
"Welcome home, Papa!"
Haroon bent slightly, opening his arms. The boys rushed into his embrace.
"Careful… careful," Maryam warned softly.
Haroon kissed their heads.
"I missed you both more than anything."
Inside, the living room was decorated with green balloons, white ribbons, and a small poster drawn by Ubaid: "We love you Papa — Get Well Soon."
Rimsha smiled proudly. "Ubaid did the drawing. Irfan helped with coloring."
Irfan puffed his chest. "I colored the flag, Papa!"
Haroon laughed softly. "You two did a wonderful job."
They guided Haroon to the sofa. Maryam brought him a glass of juice.
"Relax, Haroon. Today is only for resting," she said gently.
Haroon looked around at the happy faces — his family, his sister, his brother-like manager Imran — and felt something warm swell inside his chest.
He was home. Truly home.
---
Scene 2 — A Peaceful Few Days
Location: Haroon's Home — Three Days Later
For the next three days, the house carried an atmosphere of peace. Maryam ensured Haroon did not lift anything heavier than a glass of water. The boys tip-toed around him most of the time, afraid they might accidentally hurt him.
One afternoon, Ubaid crawled onto the sofa beside Haroon and whispered,
"Papa… when will you go back to catch bad people?"
Haroon stroked his son's hair.
"Not for a little while. I still need rest."
Irfan jumped next to them. "Papa, when you go back… will you take me in your office one day?"
Haroon laughed. "When you grow up, I'll take you."
Maryam walked in with a tray of soup. "Boys… let Papa rest. Come downstairs and do your homework."
"Noooo Mama… no homework!" both boys groaned.
Maryam raised an eyebrow. "Ubaid?"
He sighed. "Fine… Mama."
They walked out, whispering plans on how to finish homework as quickly as possible so they could return to their father.
Maryam sat beside Haroon. "They missed you terribly."
Haroon nodded. "I missed all of you."
For a few seconds, they sat in silence — peaceful, comfortable silence.
Maryam gently placed her head against his shoulder.
"Alhamdulillah," she whispered, "you're back."
Haroon placed his hand over hers. "Because of your prayers."
Their moment was interrupted by Rimsha calling from downstairs:
"Maryam Aapi! There's tea ready!"
Maryam chuckled. "Let's go."
But Haroon shook his head. "You go. I'll join later. Let me rest for ten minutes."
She kissed his forehead. "Okay. Come soon."
---
Scene 3 — Back to Duty
Location: DSP Office — 7 Days After Return
After a week of rest and slow recovery, Haroon finally felt strong enough to resume his duties. He buttoned his crisp khaki uniform, adjusted his belt, and admired the sight in the mirror.
Maryam stood behind him, adjusting his collar.
"Be careful today. No lifting. No stress."
Haroon chuckled. "Maryam… I'm not going to war. I'm just going to office."
She gave him a look. "For you, office is always war."
He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I'll be careful."
As he stepped outside, Ubaid saluted him.
"Good morning DSP Papa!"
Irfan copied him. "Salute, Papa!"
Haroon laughed and saluted back. "Thank you, my little officers."
In the office, staff stood respectfully as he entered.
"Good morning, sir," they greeted.
Inspector Haseeb walked forward enthusiastically.
"Welcoming you back, sir! Office feels normal again."
Haroon smiled. "Thank you, Haseeb. Just tell me there's no new headache waiting on my desk."
Haseeb grinned. "Sir… your desk is peaceful today."
Haroon raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Peaceful? That means something big is coming."
Both men laughed.
---
Scene 4 — A Letter that Changes Everything
Location: DSP Office — Later That Day
Around noon, the office peon knocked and handed a sealed envelope to Haroon.
"Sir, this came from Police Special Services Headquarters."
Haroon opened it, expecting another follow-up on the RAW case — but froze when he saw the header.
"Appointment Recommendation — Chief, Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS)"
His eyes read the words twice… thrice.
> 'Due to your exceptional courage, tactical intelligence, and contributions in the capture of international operatives, the Special Services Division has unanimously recommended your appointment as Chief of the Anti-Terrorist Squad, Islamabad Division…'
Haseeb saw his expression. "Sir… what is it?"
Haroon handed him the letter silently.
Haseeb gasped. "Sir… this is huge! ATS Chief?? This is… unbelievable!"
Haroon leaned back in his chair, stunned.
A position like this didn't come easily. It meant more responsibility, more danger… but also more honor.
"Alhamdulillah," he breathed softly. "I never expected this."
Haseeb's face lit with pride.
"Sir, no one deserves it more than you."
Haroon smiled faintly, still absorbing it.
"But I need to discuss with Maryam. This is not a decision I can take alone."
"Of course," Haseeb replied.
---
Scene 5 — The News at Home
Location: Haroon's Living Room — Evening
Maryam set the dinner plates on the table while the boys ran around excitedly. When Haroon entered, his expression was thoughtful.
Maryam noticed immediately.
"Haroon… something happened?"
He sat down slowly.
"I received an official letter today."
She waited quietly.
"They want me to become… Chief of the Anti-Terrorist Squad."
Her hands froze on the plate she was holding.
For a moment, the world fell silent.
The refrigerator hummed softly.
Somewhere outside, a car horn echoed faintly.
Maryam placed the plate down and sat beside him.
"Haroon… this is a very big thing."
He nodded. "Yes. And dangerous too."
A tear slipped down Maryam's cheek silently.
"I just got you back from the hospital… and now ATS?"
He took her hands.
"If you say no, I'll refuse the appointment. I promise."
She looked deeply into his eyes, fighting between fear and pride.
"Haroon… I'm scared. But I know one thing — you were born for this. You've always served your country with heart and soul."
He squeezed her hand. "Maryam—"
She shook her head.
"No. Listen. If this is Allah's plan for you… then I cannot stop it. I will not. But—"
Her voice broke slightly. "Just promise me you'll try your best to stay safe."
Haroon held her close.
"I promise. Wallahi."
Ubaid peeked from behind the sofa.
"Papa, are you getting a promotion?"
Haroon smiled. "Something like that."
Irfan clapped. "Yay! Papa becoming big officer!"
Maryam wiped her tears, pulling both boys close.
"Your Papa is already the biggest officer in our hearts."
---
Scene 6 — Amana Superstore Success
Location: Amana Superstore — Same Week
While Haroon's career moved to a new height, life at Amana Superstore was gaining momentum too.
The morning shift began with fully packed aisles. Summer sale banners, neat racks of clothes, and long queues at the cash counters made the atmosphere lively.
Imran walked briskly through the store, clipboard in hand.
"Farhan! Stock up kids' shoes! They're finishing fast."
"Ji sir!"
He reached Ladies Palace Section where Rimsha was talking to a customer.
"Yes madam, this design is available in small, medium, and large," she explained warmly. "And fabric is lawn — guaranteed color fast."
The customer nodded, impressed.
After she left, Imran approached.
"How's stock level, Rimsha?"
"Going strong. But the discount banner really boosted sales."
Imran grinned. "Customers love it. Maryam Aapi's idea."
Rimsha smiled proudly. "She's brilliant at business."
Just then, Maryam entered with Ubaid and Irfan, who had half-days at school.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum!" Maryam greeted.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam," the staff replied cheerfully.
Ubaid ran to Rimsha.
"Khala, my teacher said today that my speech was the best in class!"
Rimsha hugged him tightly. "MashaAllah! You make us proud."
Irfan tugged Imran's shirt.
"Irfan did tablo perfectly today! Teacher said 'excellent'!"
Imran lifted him up playfully. "Our stars! Both of you!"
The workers nearby smiled.
"These boys are examples for whole school," one whispered.
Maryam overheard and felt her heart swell with gratitude.
"Alhamdulillah," she murmured.
---
Scene 7 — Stars of City School
Location: City School — Following Day
During the morning assembly, Principal Uzma Rashid made an announcement.
"Today, I want to appreciate two students who have shown exceptional discipline, talent, and dedication."
The whole school murmured excitedly.
"Ubaid Haroon of Class 3… and Irfan Haroon of Class 1!"
Both boys walked to the stage shyly but proudly.
Uzma spoke warmly,
"These two brothers have shown that confidence and hard work come from home support and personal effort. Teachers, please guide other students by using them as examples."
The students clapped loudly.
In the staff room later, teachers praised them.
Miss Nadia said, "Ubaid's speech was flawless. And Irfan? What expressions in tablo!"
Miss Kiran laughed. "These kids will make their parents proud."
---
Scene 8 — Closing Moments of the Day
Location: Haroon's Home — Night
That night, as Haroon sat with Maryam on the balcony, drinking tea, the city lights flickered below them like stars scattered on earth.
"Maryam," Haroon said softly, "I will accept the ATS position tomorrow."
Maryam nodded, holding his hand tightly.
"I know. And I'm with you."
He turned toward her.
"You are my strength."
She smiled. "And you are mine."
From inside, Ubaid shouted,
"Mama! Papa! Come! We want to show our homework!"
They both laughed.
Haroon stood slowly, still healing but smiling.
"Let's go. Our little stars are calling."
And together, they walked back inside —
a family stronger than ever,
a home filled with love,
and a future brighter than the fears behind them.
---
End of Chapter