Scene 1: Early Morning Departure
Time: 6:30 AM – Islamabad Police Headquarters
The sun had just begun to rise over Islamabad, casting a soft orange glow on the quiet city streets. Haroon stood at the main entrance of the police headquarters, holding a brown file in his hand—the official transfer order for Sara, the 21-year-old sister of Noman. His face was tense, jaw tight with anger and concern. The previous day's revelation still rang in his ears: Sara had been found, but in a horrific condition.
Haroon (muttering to himself):
"Najma Khatoon… how many innocent lives have you destroyed?"
A constable approached, saluted him sharply, and opened the door of the official police SUV. Haroon slid into the back seat, gave one last glance toward the building, and signaled the driver.
Haroon:
"Chalo, Lahore Services Hospital. Jaldi."
The vehicle sped off, siren off, moving through the morning traffic as Haroon's thoughts wandered to Noman—sitting back at the station, clinging to hope that his sister would return alive.
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Scene 2: DSP Farooq's Office – The Silent Wait
Time: 10:00 AM – Islamabad
Noman sat in DSP Farooq's office, his face pale, his hands trembling slightly. His uniform, though neat, looked wrinkled, as if he hadn't slept all night. His eyes were bloodshot, staring blankly at the floor.
Farooq sat behind his desk, flipping through some case files, but his eyes kept darting toward Noman. He could feel the weight of the young man's silence. Every tick of the clock made the air heavier.
Farooq (softly):
"Noman, beta… I know yeh waqt bohot mushkil hai. But tum strong ho. Inspector Haroon wahan pohanch gaya hai. Tumhari behan ka dhyaan rakhega."
Noman didn't respond. He swallowed hard and forced a question, his voice cracking.
Noman:
"Sir… woh… zinda toh hai na?"
Farooq paused, his lips tightening slightly before answering.
Farooq:
"Haan, zinda hai. Doctors keh rahe hain critical condition hai… lekin abhi hum dua karenge. Tum fikar mat karo."
Noman closed his eyes, a tear escaping down his cheek as he whispered a prayer under his breath.
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Scene 3: Lahore Services Hospital – The Grim Reality
Time: 1:30 PM – Lahore
Haroon pushed open the glass doors of Services Hospital. The antiseptic smell hit him immediately, mixed with the faint aroma of strong disinfectant. He walked briskly toward the ICU section, where a young nurse stood behind a counter.
Haroon (flashing his badge):
"Inspector Haroon, Islamabad Police. Mujhe patient Sara ke baare mein poochna hai—age 21, assault case."
The nurse checked the register quickly and nodded.
Nurse:
"Ward ICU-3, sir. Lekin… condition bohot critical hai."
Haroon didn't waste another second and headed toward the indicated ward. When he entered, the sight before him stopped him cold.
Sara lay on the bed, connected to tubes and monitors. Her face was bruised, her lips cracked, and her body bore signs of merciless abuse. A ventilator hissed softly beside her, the heart monitor beeping in a slow rhythm.
Haroon clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He approached her slowly, his voice trembling with contained rage and pity.
Haroon (whispering):
"Beta… tumhare saath itna zulm hua… main wada karta hoon, in logon ko aisi saza dilwaunga ke misaal banegi."
A senior doctor walked in—a middle-aged man with calm, authoritative eyes.
Doctor:
"Inspector Haroon?"
Haroon:
"Ji, doctor sahib. Main usse Islamabad shift karna chahta hoon. Mere paas transfer orders hain."
The doctor shook his head immediately.
Doctor:
"Impossible. Patient ki condition extremely critical hai. Transport karna matlab jaan se khailna hoga. Yeh agle 24 ghante bohot crucial hain."
Haroon took a deep breath, trying to control his frustration.
Haroon:
"Doctor sahib, family wahan intezaar kar rahi hai. Bhai… Noman… uska sabr khatam ho raha hai."
Doctor (firm tone):
"Inspector, samajhne ki koshish kijiye. Agar abhi move kiya, toh patient survive nahi karegi. Let her stabilize first. Aap chahe toh yahan ruk sakte hain."
Haroon nodded reluctantly and stepped out of the ICU, pulling out his phone.
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Scene 4: The Call to Farooq
Time: 3:00 PM – Lahore
Haroon dialed Farooq's number. It connected after two rings.
Farooq:
"Ha Haroon, kya update hai?"
Haroon (voice heavy):
"Sir… patient ko shift karna possible nahi hai. Doctors keh rahe hain condition critical hai. Ventilator pe hai… koi guarantee nahi hai agle 24 ghante."
There was silence on the line for a few seconds. Then Farooq spoke, his voice calm but tinged with concern.
Farooq:
"Thik hai, Haroon. Tum wahan hi raho. Main team bhej raha hoon tumhare support ke liye. Tum Sara ka khayal rakho."
Haroon:
"Understood, sir."
He hung up and looked out of the hospital window. The sun was beginning to dip, casting long shadows across the hospital courtyard. His thoughts were a storm—rage at Qamar, Najma, and their entire filthy network; helplessness at seeing a young girl fighting for her life.
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Scene 5: Noman's Desperation
Time: 3:15 PM – Islamabad Police Station
Farooq placed his phone down and looked at Noman, who immediately stood up.
Noman:
"Sir? Bataiye… meri behan…?"
Farooq walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Farooq:
"Beta… doctors keh rahe hain abhi shift karna possible nahi. Condition serious hai… lekin Haroon wahan hai. Woh tumhari behan ka har pal khayal rakh raha hai."
Noman sank back into the chair, covering his face with his hands. His entire body shook as he fought back sobs.
Noman (choked voice):
"Allah… meri behan ko bacha le…"
Farooq turned away, his own eyes moist. He silently vowed to make every single person involved in this crime pay.
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Scene 6: The Long Night Begins
Time: 8:00 PM – Lahore ICU Corridor
Haroon sat on a hard wooden bench outside the ICU. A paper cup of tea rested in his hands, untouched. Nurses moved back and forth, their white shoes squeaking softly on the polished floor. Inside, machines beeped steadily, keeping Sara alive.
Haroon stared at the door, his mind replaying every operation, every criminal he had ever encountered. But this—this case was different. It wasn't just about crime. It was about humanity shattered beyond repair.
He pulled out his notebook and wrote down a single line in bold letters:
"Justice for Sara—No Matter What."
As the clock ticked on, Haroon whispered a silent prayer, knowing the next 24 hours could decide everything.
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