**Scene 1: Hidden Truths**
*(Location: Haroon's Apartment – Morning)*
Maryam adjusted the hem of her *kameez* over her rounded belly, wincing as Ubaid pressed a tiny foot against her ribs. The monsoon humidity clung to the walls of their cramped apartment as she tidied Haroon's cluttered desk. Her fingers brushed against a false panel in the drawer—a hiding spot she'd never noticed.
Inside lay a police badge crusted with dried blood.
*"Ye kya hai?"* she whispered, her throat tightening. *What is this?* The serial number matched Haroon's old hawaldar insignia, but the bloodstains told a darker story.
Footsteps echoed in the corridor. She shoved the badge into her *dupatta* just as Haroon entered, his uniform reeking of cigarette smoke and rain.
*"Chai banaun?"* he asked, avoiding her eyes. *Should I make tea?*
Maryam clutched her belly. *"Tumne kab se jhooth bolna seekh liya?"* *When did you learn to lie?*
---
**Scene 2: Fractured Trust**
*(Location: Apartment – Night)*
The argument erupted like a storm.
*"Murder ko dhaka de rahe ho?"* Maryam's voice trembled. *You're covering up a murder?*
Haroon gripped the edge of their rickety table. *"Tumhe samajh nahi aayega—"*
*"Samajhna nahi, *chahta* bhi nahi!"* She slammed the badge on the table. *I don't want to understand!*
Ubaid kicked violently, a flurry beneath her skin. Maryam gasped, clutching her stomach. Haroon reached for her, but she recoiled.
*"Usne mujhe dara diya,"* she whispered. *He's frightened.*
Haroon's hands shook. *"Main tum dono ko bacha raha hoon."* *I'm protecting you both.*
A knock cut through the silence.
---
**Scene 3: Sinister Gift**
*(Location: Apartment Door – Moments Later)*
The parcel was small, wrapped in black cloth. Inside gleamed a silver rattle, its handle engraved with a serpent coiled around a scale. The note read:
*"Khush aamdeed, Ubaid. —M"*
*Welcome to the game.*
Maryam traced the serpent's fangs. *"Yeh kaunsi khel hai?"* *What game is this?*
Haroon's phone buzzed—a blocked number. Malik's voice slithered through: *"Bachche ko lori sunana… *sone* se pehle."* *Sing the baby a lullaby… before bedtime.*
The line went dead. Outside, a streetlamp flickered, casting long shadows over the rattle.
---