Scene 1 — ATS Headquarters: A New Command
Haroon stood before the tall grey building of the Anti-Terrorist Squad Headquarters, a structure of steel, glass, and unspoken expectations. The winter breeze brushed across his face as he adjusted his uniform, still unsure whether the title "Chief of ATS" felt heavy or honorable on his shoulders.
Inside, his new team had already gathered.
When he entered, the officers rose instantly.
"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Sir! Welcome to ATS Center!"
The synchronized greeting echoed with respect.
Haroon smiled warmly. "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam. Thank you all. I hope we will work together as a strong unit… and as a family."
A young officer stepped forward. "Sir, I'm Inspector Rahim, technical surveillance in-charge. It's an honor to have you."
Another shook his hand. "Sir, I'm DSP Anila Shah, your second-in-command."
Haroon nodded, looking around at the determined faces. "I've read your files. You're all capable, brave, and loyal. From today, we start a new chapter together."
"Sir," Anila said, "we've prepared a small welcome tea for you in the conference room."
Haroon chuckled softly. "Tea at ATS? Sounds like a rare luxury."
Everyone laughed, the ice breaking instantly.
Inside the conference room, they sat around a large oval table. Cups clinked, biscuits passed, documents opened, and responsibilities discussed. Haroon listened more than he spoke—carefully observing, evaluating, connecting.
After an hour of briefings, Anila asked, "Sir, any instructions for the team?"
Haroon leaned forward.
"Just one… No matter how small a threat looks, we will never ignore it.
Pakistan expects our best—and we won't disappoint."
The officers nodded firmly.
Rahim whispered to another officer, "Yeh banda asli hero lagta hai."
(He really feels like a true hero.)
Haroon pretended not to hear, but a faint smile touched his lips.
---
Scene 2 — The School: Ubaid & Irfan Shine
At City Scholars School, banners hung across the corridor:
MID-YEAR RESULTS – CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOPPERS!
Children crowded around the lists posted on the notice board. Teachers guided them while others jumped in excitement.
Ubaid spotted his name first.
"Mamaaaa!" he shouted, rushing toward Maryam, who had just arrived.
Maryam held his shoulders. "Kya hua beta? Why are you shouting?"
Ubaid puffed his chest proudly. "I got FIRST position! First in the whole grade, Mama!"
Maryam gasped with joy. "MashaAllah! MashaAllah! My son, I'm so proud of you!"
She kissed his forehead repeatedly while Ubaid laughed shyly.
Just then, little Irfan ran towards them, holding a paper in his hand.
"Mama! Mama! I also got position!"
Maryam bent down. "Which one, meri jaan?"
Irfan held three fingers up. "Third! Third position! Miss said very good!"
Maryam pulled him into a hug. "My shining stars! Both of you have made my day."
Their teacher, Miss Samra, approached.
"Mrs. Haroon, congratulations. Ubaid and Irfan both are brilliant. We actually used Ubaid's paper as an example for the whole class."
Maryam's eyes gleamed with gratitude. "Thank you, Miss. You've worked hard on them too."
Miss Samra smiled. "Ubaid is disciplined. And Irfan… well, he is mischievous, but extremely intelligent."
Maryam laughed. "Yes, that's true."
Ubaid nudged Irfan. "Mischief maker!"
Irfan stuck his tongue out.
Maryam shook her head lovingly. "Bas bas, no fighting. Let's go home and celebrate."
"Yaaay ice cream!" Irfan screamed.
"Chocolate flavor?" Ubaid asked hopefully.
"Of course," Maryam said, holding both their hands. "Aaj dono beta jo chahein wo milega."
As they walked toward the gate, Maryam felt pride… but a small, familiar worry crept into her heart.
Haroon's new duties.
Danger.
Responsibility.
Risks.
She brushed the thought away. "Allah pe bharosa rakho," she whispered to herself.
---
Scene 3 — Amana Superstore: Growth and Grace
Amana Superstore was bustling with customers. Shelves were full, cash counters busy, staff energetic. Rimsha supervised the billing area while Imran checked fresh stock near the delivery entrance.
A store employee approached Rimsha. "Madam, we're running short on detergent items. Should I reorder?"
Rimsha nodded confidently. "Yes. Place a double order this time. Sales are increasing."
Imran walked over. "You're managing really well today."
Rimsha raised an eyebrow. "Just today? I always manage well."
Imran laughed. "That's true. Our store is going up day by day. Mashallah."
A customer nearby praised loudly, "Your superstore is the best in this area. Rates sahi, quality sahi."
Rimsha smiled. "Thank you, aunty."
When the customer walked away, Imran said softly, "You and Maryam built this place with dedication. I'm proud of both sisters."
Rimsha nodded, eyes softening. "Yes… and since Maryam is busy with Haroon and the kids, I'm trying to handle things better."
"You're doing great," Imran said.
Their moment was interrupted when Ubaid ran inside with his report card waving in the air.
"Chachu! Chachi! See! First position!"
Imran lifted him up instantly. "Wah! Mera hero! Proud of you!"
Rimsha hugged Irfan. "Aur tum? Which position?"
Irfan squeaked excitedly. "Third!"
"SubhanAllah! My smart little boy."
Maryam entered with a smile, holding the kids' bags.
Imran said, "Aaj toh celebration banti hai."
Rimsha agreed. "Yes! Maryam, we'll close early today and take kids out."
Maryam hesitated. "Haroon ka kya? He'll be home by evening…"
Imran placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll celebrate with Haroon at dinner. Just trust us."
Maryam finally smiled. "Theek hai…"
---
Scene 4 — Evening at Home: Joy and Subtle Worries
Haroon arrived home around Maghrib, exhausted yet satisfied. The house felt lively—children laughing, Rimsha helping Maryam in the kitchen, and Imran arranging snacks in the drawing room.
As soon as Haroon entered, both boys jumped on him.
"Baba! Baba! Guess what!"
Haroon acted confused. "Hmm… Let me think… you both failed?"
"NOOO!" they shouted together.
Irfan pointed at Ubaid. "He got first position!"
"And he got third!" Ubaid added proudly.
Haroon hugged both tightly. "MashaAllah! My sons are champions."
Maryam served tea. "Haroon, come sit. Kids want to tell you everything."
Haroon took a seat, stretching his back. "I'm all ears."
Ubaid spoke for ten minutes straight, explaining how he solved a tricky math question. Irfan added random side stories that had nothing to do with exams but made everyone laugh.
Maryam watched them quietly—happy, yet her heart tugged with concern.
Haroon noticed her expression.
After the kids ran out to play, he gently asked, "What's bothering you?"
Maryam turned away slightly. "Nothing… bus thori si fikar hoti hai."
"About my job?"
She nodded.
Haroon took her hand. "Maryam, Allah ne mujhe zindagi dobara di hai. I'll be careful. Promise."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Bas dua karti hoon ke aap hamesha khairiyat se rahain."
Haroon squeezed her hand. "With your prayers, nothing will harm me."
Imran entered suddenly. "Haroon bhai, dinner is ready!"
Maryam quickly wiped her eyes.
Haroon whispered, "Later… we'll talk."
---
Scene 5 — Dinner: A Family's Peace
The dining table was filled with biryani, kebabs, raita, and custard. Rimsha proudly announced:
"Dinner is on me today! Celebrating both boys' positions."
Irfan said, "Aur meri wajah se zyada celebration honi chahiye!"
Everyone laughed.
As they ate, Imran asked Haroon, "So, sir… how is the new office?"
Haroon smiled. "Good team. Good work. But a lot of responsibility."
Ubaid asked innocently, "Baba, ATS means what?"
"Anti-Terrorist Squad," Haroon replied.
Irfan widened his eyes. "Baba catches bad guys?!"
Haroon smiled. "Yes, if they hurt people."
Irfan flexed his tiny arm. "I will help you!"
Haroon laughed. "That's my brave boy."
Maryam listened, silently praying.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, jokes, and flickers of hope.
But beneath the smiles, every adult at the table knew:
Haroon had stepped into a new battlefield.
And life could change any moment.
---
Scene 6 — Night Reflections
After dinner, when kids finally slept, Maryam stood on the balcony. The cold wind brushed her face as she stared at the city lights.
Haroon came beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Thinking again?"
She nodded. "I just… want our life to stay like this. Peaceful. Happy."
Haroon sighed. "I want the same."
Maryam leaned on his chest. "Promise me… you'll come home safe every day."
Haroon kissed her forehead. "InshaAllah. I promise."
The night grew quieter.
Their worries blended with hope.
And deep inside, Maryam prayed:
"Ya Allah, protect my family. Protect Haroon."