Scene 1: The Meeting in Shadows
(Location: Abandoned Textile Mill – Midnight)*
Malik leaned against a rusted loom, the moonlight slicing through broken windows like blades. Haroon's breath fogged in the cold air as Malik tossed a police badge at his feet—the one missing from the murder scene.
*"Tumhare *unborn baby* ka bap banne ka shauk hai?"* Malik purred. *You're eager to be a father?* His smile widened. *"Par bete ke liye bap ka hona zaroori hai na?"* *But a son needs a father, no?*
Haroon's hand twitched toward his holster.
*"Mat,"* Malik warned, nodding to shadows where a sniper's laser danced over Haroon's heart. *"Ek galti se zindagi *orphan* ho jayegi."* *One mistake, and that life becomes an orphan.*
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**Scene 2: The Scent of Deceit** *(Location: Apartment – 2:00 AM)*
Maryam woke to whiskey fumes. Haroon stood at the bedroom door, still in his mud-caked uniform.
*"Tum kab se peene lage?"* she whispered. *Since when do you drink?*
Haroon froze. *"Raza ke saath… celebration."*
*"Jhoot,"* she hissed. *Liar.* She stepped closer, her pregnant belly brushing his arm. *"Tumhari saans mein dar hai, sharab nahi."* *Your breath smells of fear, not liquor.*
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**Scene 3: The Lie** *(Location: Police Station – Next Day)*
Raza frowned at the falsified report. *"Malik ka naam kyun hata diya?"* *Why remove Malik's name?*
Haroon's pen trembled. *"Galti se likh diya tha."* *Mistakenly added.*
*"Galti?"* Raza slammed the file. *"Tumne kabhi *mistake* nahi ki!"*
Haroon's voice broke. *"Ab karti hoon."* *I do now.*
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**Scene 4: The Bargain Sealed** *(Location: Maryam's Clinic – Evening)*
Dr. Khan adjusted his stethoscope. *"Beti, tension mat lo. Baccha sehatmand hai."* *Don't stress. The baby's healthy.*
Maryam stared at the sonogram, tears blurring the tiny heartbeat. *"Aur uska bap?"* *And its father?*
The doctor hesitated. *"Uska dil… dhadakne ki raftaar tez hai."* *His heart… beats too fast.*
Outside, Haroon vomited in the alley, Malik's laughter ringing in his ears.
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