A Starry Night
A week after her engagement was finalized, Aliza stood by her window, gazing at the stars scattered across the night sky. A mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and curiosity—swirled in her mind. Life was about to change, and she wondered how her journey with Hamza would unfold. Just as the cool breeze brought a moment of peace, her phone buzzed with a message.
Hamza:
"Thinking about us too?"
A smile spread across her face as her cheeks warmed. Before she could reply, Aaliya burst into the room, flopping dramatically onto the bed.
Aaliya:
"Aapi, what's going to happen to me when you marry Hamza?"
Aliza chuckled, sitting beside her sister. "What do you mean? You'll still live here, free to annoy me whenever you like. Except now, you'll have Hamza to team up with."
Aaliya grinned mischievously. "Perfect! Together, we'll make your life interesting."
Aliza raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe we'll both make your life miserable instead."
---
The Engagement
The much-anticipated day arrived. The house buzzed with energy as family and friends filled every corner, helping with the final touches. Aliza wore a soft pink and gold dress, radiating elegance, while Hamza looked striking in a black sherwani. When their eyes met across the room, an unspoken connection passed between them—a blend of warmth, love, and shared hopes.
The ceremony was simple yet beautiful. As Hamza gently placed the ring on Aliza's finger, her hands trembled, not with fear but with the weight of this new beginning.
Aaliya:
"Aapi, you're glowing! Is it the ring, or Major Hamza?"
Hamza laughed while Aliza blushed, throwing a playful glare at Aaliya. "If you keep teasing me, Aalu, you might be the next one to get engaged!"
Aaliya gasped in mock horror. "No way! I have too many adventures left before I settle down!"
---
Conversations with Mom
After the last guest departed and the house grew quiet, Mrs. Muneerah sat down with Aliza.
Mom:
"My dear, seeing you so happy brings me peace. But remember, marriage has its challenges too. Life isn't always smooth, but you've always been strong."
Aliza smiled, hugging her mother. "I know, Ammi. And I'll always have you by my side to guide me."
---
Work, Life, and Wedding Dates
After returning from her brief vacation, Aliza resumed her new job at SUPARCO. Juggling her career with wedding planning became increasingly overwhelming. Each day brought new challenges at work, but her thoughts constantly drifted toward Hamza, who remained a pillar of support.
With the seasons shifting toward winter, both families gathered to finalize wedding plans. Over tea and laughter, they decided that the ceremony would take place in the coming winter, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Hamza and Aliza's lives.
Back at home one weekend, her mother raised the wedding discussion once again.
Mom:
"Beta, we need to finalize the dates. Winter will be here soon, and there's so much to plan."
Aliza sighed. "Ammi, can we do this next week? Work has been crazy lately."
Her mother gave her a knowing look. "Aliza, you can't keep putting it off. There will always be work, but these moments won't come again."
Aliza forced a smile, guilt tugging at her. "I know, Ammi. I just need to wrap up some things first. I promise I'll be ready soon."
---
A Sister's Cheerful Interruption
The next morning, as Aliza sat sipping tea, Aaliya skipped into the room, flopping beside her. "Aapi, forget the boring wedding stuff! Let's just enjoy the weekend."
Aliza smiled warmly, grateful for her sister's presence. "You're right, Aalu. Let's make the most of it."
That afternoon, over biryani, the family returned to wedding discussions. Aaliya's excitement shone through every idea she suggested—from matching outfits to flower walls at the entrance.
Aaliya:
"Please, Ammi, let me handle the decorations! I've got amazing ideas!"
Aliza chuckled. "This isn't a birthday party, Aalu. Let the professionals do it."
Aaliya pouted dramatically. "You'll see! You're missing out."
Laughter echoed around the dining table, lightening the mood.
---
A New Phase and Unexpected Challenges
Three months later, the cold winds of winter blew in, and Aliza's workload intensified. One evening, bundled in a blanket with a hot cup of tea, she video-called her mother.
Mom:
"Aliza, you look exhausted. Are you taking care of yourself?"
Aliza smiled weakly. "It's just the weather, Ammi. I'll be fine."
Her mother's voice softened with concern. "Beta, you can't pour from an empty cup. Please take care of yourself."
"I will, Ammi. Just a little more time, and everything will be settled," Aliza assured her, though the weight of her responsibilities was heavy on her heart.
---
A Sudden Discovery
One late night, as Aliza returned to the office to collect data, she overheard hushed voices from the adjacent room. Her heart raced—something wasn't right. With her satellite launch just weeks away, every detail mattered. She moved closer, listening intently.
---
A Suspicious Conversation
Aliza tightened her scarf as she moved silently through the dimly lit corridor. Her shift had ended hours ago, but a nagging feeling had drawn her back to the SUPARCO office. She needed to review some data one last time, hoping to put her restless mind at ease.
As she reached the conference room door, faint voices caught her attention. Curiosity sparked, and she leaned closer.
Unknown Voice:
"Everything is in place. They won't see it coming. The launch will fail, and no one will know how it happened."
Aliza's pulse quickened. Sabotage? Someone was planning to ruin the satellite program she had poured her heart into. Her stomach churned as she strained to catch more of the conversation.
Another Voice:
"The timer's set. We'll make it look like a system malfunction. No one will trace it back to us."
Holding her breath, she peered through the narrow glass panel in the door. Her heart dropped when she recognized the man speaking—Faizan.
---
Betrayal Unveiled
Faizan had been one of her closest teammates, working tirelessly under her supervision. She had trusted him, praised his dedication, and even defended him when others questioned his performance. Yet here he was, plotting against everything she had fought for.
Faizan:
"This is the perfect chance. If the launch succeeds, they'll become unstoppable. But if we fail it quietly, we delay their progress without raising any red flags."
Aliza clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure. Her mind raced—how long had Faizan been part of this scheme? And who was pulling the strings behind him?
The unknown man continued. "Once the system goes down, we'll extract the data and disappear. You know what's at stake. There's no turning back now."
Faizan:
"I know. I'll access the control systems during the final inspection. It'll be over in minutes."
Aliza backed away slowly, her heart hammering against her ribs. She needed to act fast. With the satellite launch just weeks away, every second counted. But she couldn't confront him yet—she needed proof, and more importantly, she had to figure out who else was involved.
---
The Next Step
Aliza retreated down the corridor, her mind spinning with questions and strategies. She couldn't let the betrayal shake her focus. There was too much at stake—the entire team's effort, SUPARCO's reputation, and the mission that had become her life's dream.
But what hurt the most was Faizan's involvement. How could someone she had trusted with her vision turn into an enemy from within?
Gripping her phone tightly, she made a decision. She would gather evidence, stop Faizan, and save the mission—no matter the cost.