Scene 1: Intensive Care Unit – Services Hospital, Lahore
The beeping of machines echoed softly in the sterile environment of the ICU. Tubes, wires, and monitors surrounded Sara's fragile body. Her face was pale, lips cracked, and there were faint bruises on her arms. The nurse adjusted the drip carefully while checking her vitals.
Haroon stood silently near the glass wall, his eyes fixed on Sara. His heart was heavy with anger and helplessness. It had been almost twelve hours since he arrived in Lahore, and every minute felt like an eternity.
The duty doctor walked toward Haroon, removing his gloves.
Doctor: "Inspector Haroon?"
Haroon (turning quickly): "Yes, doctor… how is she now?"
Doctor (sighing): "The next 24 hours will decide everything. She's stable for now, but her body endured extreme trauma. Multiple internal injuries… and severe mental shock. We're trying our best."
Haroon nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check.
Haroon: "Will she wake up soon?"
Doctor: "It's hard to say. She's in a medically induced state for now. Let her body recover. Please don't expect miracles overnight."
Haroon clenched his fists but thanked the doctor politely. As the doctor left, Haroon whispered to himself:
Haroon (softly): "Stay strong, Sara… we'll get you justice."
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Scene 2: Outside the ICU – Police Team Arrives
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor. Haroon looked up to see SHO Jibran Aziz approaching with three constables. Jibran, a tall, broad-shouldered officer in his late 30s, shook Haroon's hand firmly.
Jibran: "Haroon, DSP Farooq briefed me on everything. How's the girl?"
Haroon: "She's out of immediate danger… but still not conscious. Doctors say the next 24 hours are critical."
Jibran (nodding grimly): "Animals… whoever did this will rot in hell. Did you get any lead from her condition? Any clue?"
Haroon shook his head.
Haroon: "Not yet. But once she regains consciousness, she'll be our key witness. Until then, we guard this place like a fortress."
Jibran turned to his men.
Jibran: "You heard him. No unauthorized entry. Nobody touches that door without clearance. Understood?"
The constables nodded and positioned themselves outside the ICU.
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Scene 3: DSP Farooq's Office – Islamabad
In Islamabad, DSP Farooq sat behind his wooden desk, flipping through case files. The tension in his office was thick. Noman, dressed in a faded blue shirt, sat on the visitor's chair, his face pale with exhaustion and fear. His hands fidgeted nervously.
Noman (anxiously): "Sir… any update? Please… tell me she's okay."
Farooq placed the file down and looked him in the eye.
Farooq (calmly): "Inspector Haroon is there. He says Sara is out of danger… but still unconscious."
Noman swallowed hard, his eyes moist.
Noman: "I… I want to meet her, sir. Please."
Farooq exhaled slowly, understanding the pain in Noman's voice.
Farooq: "I'll send you with a couple of constables. But you need to be strong, Noman. She needs strength around her when she wakes up."
Noman nodded quickly.
Noman: "Thank you, sir… thank you so much."
Farooq picked up the intercom and gave instructions. Within minutes, two constables entered.
Farooq (to constables): "Take him to Lahore. Straight to Services Hospital. Haroon will coordinate with you there."
The constables nodded, and Noman stood up, clutching his chest as if trying to hold his emotions together.
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Scene 4: Back at the Hospital – Haroon and Jibran
Hours passed slowly in Lahore. Haroon sat on a steel bench outside the ICU, sipping cold tea from a disposable cup. Jibran joined him, carrying a file.
Jibran: "I've spoken to Lahore police high-ups. Najma Khatoon's name is on every vice report. But the problem is… she's vanished. No trace."
Haroon's jaw tightened.
Haroon: "She won't hide for long. Once Sara wakes up, we'll have everything we need."
Jibran: "And what about Qamar and Rehan?"
Haroon (gritting teeth): "They're still in custody. But Qamar is silent like a snake. Rehan is the only one talking."
Jibran nodded, flipping the file shut.
Jibran: "We'll get them all. One by one."
Suddenly, a nurse rushed out of the ICU. Both officers stood instantly.
Haroon: "What happened?"
Nurse (calmly): "Relax. We just adjusted her medication. She's stable. But don't crowd the door."
Haroon exhaled slowly, relief washing over him.
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Scene 5: Late Night – Haroon Alone
It was past midnight. The hospital corridor was silent except for the distant hum of machines. Haroon leaned against the wall, looking at Sara through the glass. Memories of his own little son, Irfan, flashed in his mind. He clenched his fists.
Haroon (thinking): "This girl… could have been my daughter. My sister. How do these men sleep after doing this?"
His phone buzzed. It was DSP Farooq.
Farooq (on call): "Haroon… status?"
Haroon: "She's stable. No major changes. Jibran and his men are here. Security is tight."
Farooq: "Good. Noman is on his way. He should reach by morning."
Haroon: "Understood, sir."
Haroon hung up and looked back at Sara.
Haroon (softly): "Hang in there, kid. We'll make sure they pay."
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Scene 6: The Next Morning – ICU
Sunlight filtered through the hospital windows. The doctors gathered for the morning round. Haroon and Jibran stood aside as the lead doctor reviewed Sara's chart.
Doctor: "Good news. Her vitals are improving. She's responding to treatment. But she's still unconscious. Give it time."
Haroon smiled faintly.
Haroon: "Thank you, doctor."
Just then, a constable approached.
Constable: "Sir, Noman has arrived."
Haroon nodded and walked toward the waiting area. Noman stood there, eyes swollen from crying, clutching a small bag.
Haroon (gently): "Noman?"
Noman looked up, his lips trembling.
Noman: "Inspector… how is she?"
Haroon: "She's stable now. Still unconscious. You can see her… but no touching. The doctors don't want any disturbance."
Noman nodded vigorously.
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Scene 7: Noman Sees His Sister
Inside the ICU, Noman stood frozen as he saw Sara lying on the bed. The once-lively 21-year-old was now pale and bruised, her hair messy, lips dry. Tears streamed down Noman's face.
He whispered softly:
Noman: "Sara… it's me, your brother… please wake up. I'm here now. You're safe."
His hands trembled, but he remembered Haroon's warning and didn't touch her. Haroon watched silently from the doorway, his heart heavy.
Haroon (to himself): "God, give this family strength."
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The chapter closes with the sound of machines beeping steadily, marking the fragile line between life and death. For now, Sara had survived the storm, but justice was still far away.