As the sun rose on the morning of Fatima's fifth birthday, Aliza and Hamza buzzed with excitement, preparing for the celebration. Colorful balloons floated in the living room, and a large cake decorated with bright icing awaited its moment in the spotlight. Family and friends were invited, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.
However, the cheerful day was overshadowed by troubling news. Reports of Faizan's alleged escape from jail surfaced, creating a wave of panic among Aliza's family. Aliza's heart raced; she couldn't shake off the feeling that this was more than just a rumor. What if Faizan was planning something sinister?
Amidst the preparations, Aliza and Hamza shared worried glances, discussing the implications of Faizan's potential escape. They needed to protect their family, especially Fatima. While Hamza assured Aliza that the authorities were on high alert, her instincts told her to stay vigilant.
As the party commenced, the laughter of children filled the air, momentarily easing Aliza's anxiety. Fatima, dressed in a lovely pink dress, beamed with joy, surrounded by her friends. Hamza took a moment to appreciate the sight of their daughter playing, his heart swelling with pride.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Aliza opened the door to find Aaliya and Fahad standing there, bright smiles on their faces. "Happy birthday, Fatima!" they chimed in unison, holding gifts wrapped in colorful paper. Aliza welcomed them in, grateful for their presence as it brought some much-needed lightness to the day.
After a while, it was time for the cake-cutting ceremony. Everyone gathered around as Fatima clutched her mother's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Just as she was about to blow out the candles, the front door swung open, and in walked Fahad, unexpectedly.
"Surprise!" he shouted, holding a bouquet of balloons that matched the party theme. A collective gasp filled the room as everyone turned to see him. Aliza's heart fluttered, but it was Fatima's delighted squeal that made her smile.
"Fahad! You made it!" Fatima exclaimed, rushing over to him.
Fahad knelt down, presenting the balloons. "For you, little princess!" he said, earning a hug from the ecstatic birthday girl.
Amidst the festivities, Aliza couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding with the news about Faizan. As the guests mingled and laughter echoed in their home, she wondered if they were truly safe.
---
Scene: A Sense of Relief
The following week brought a wave of relief as news confirmed that the rumors about Faizan escaping from jail were unfounded. The police had conducted thorough investigations and declared that he was securely incarcerated. Aliza felt the tension slowly dissipate from her shoulders, and her laughter returned as she spent time with Fatima and Hamza.
One evening, while they were gathered in the living room, the air filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. Aliza sat on the floor, surrounded by Fatima's toys, playfully engaging with her daughter. Hamza entered, a warm smile on his face as he watched the two of them.
"Hey, you two," he said, joining them on the floor. "How about a little tea party?" He picked up a toy teapot and poured an imaginary cup for Fatima, who squealed in delight.
After a few minutes of laughter and play, Hamza turned to Aliza, his expression shifting to something more serious. "You know," he began, "I've been thinking… maybe we should call my mother here to stay with us for a while."
Aliza looked up, surprised. "Your mom? Here?"
"Yeah," Hamza replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It would be nice to have her around. She can help with Fatima, and we can all spend some quality time together. Plus, it'd give you a chance to relax a bit more."
Aliza's heart warmed at the thought. She appreciated Hamza's mother, who had always been supportive, and having her nearby would be a great comfort. "That sounds wonderful! If you think she would want to come, I'm all for it," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
"I'll call her tonight," Hamza said, pulling out his phone. "We'll make it happen."
As Hamza dialed his mother's number, Aliza watched him with a smile. The love and support he offered her made everything feel brighter. Fatima, sensing the excitement, clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Yay! Grandma is coming!"
Hamza chuckled, looking at his daughter. "Yes, sweetie! Grandma is coming to stay with us, and we'll have lots of fun together."
After a few moments, Hamza ended the call, a satisfied grin on his face. "She's on board! My mom will be here in a few days."
Aliza jumped up, pulling Hamza into a tight embrace. "Thank you, Hamza! This means so much to me."
He kissed the top of her head, then looked down at Fatima. "And it means we'll have more hands to help with this little munchkin."
Fatima giggled, reaching out for her dad. "Daddy, I want to show Grandma my toys!"
"Then we better have everything ready for her arrival," Aliza said, her spirits lifting with the prospect of family togetherness.
As they returned to their playful antics, Aliza felt a sense of joy and relief settle over her. The shadows of doubt had lifted, and the prospect of welcoming Hamza's mother brought a sense of warmth and excitement to their home. Life felt good again.
---
Scene: A Sleepless Night
Setting: Late night in Aliza and Hamza's bedroom. The dim glow of the bedside lamp casts soft shadows on the walls. Outside, the city is silent, but inside, Aliza's thoughts are anything but quiet.
Aliza lay on her side, her arms wrapped tightly around herself under the warm blanket. Her mind kept returning to Faizan—the espionage, his arrest, and the recent rumors about his escape. Even though the news had been debunked, the fear lingered in her heart. She couldn't shake the terrifying thought: What if he finds me?
Tears welled in her eyes, slipping silently down her face. She didn't want to wake Hamza, but the weight of the emotions was unbearable. Her small sobs echoed faintly in the stillness of the night.
Hamza stirred beside her, sensing her restless movements. He blinked his eyes open, noticing her curled form trembling slightly. "Aliza?" he whispered, his voice filled with concern. He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
Aliza sniffled, wiping her tears hurriedly, trying to pretend she was fine. "I'm okay... just go back to sleep." But her voice cracked, betraying the fear she was holding inside.
Hamza sat up, leaning closer to her. "You're not okay," he said softly, brushing her hair away from her face. "You've been crying. What's going on?"
Aliza hesitated, her emotions swirling. "I can't stop thinking about Faizan," she admitted, her voice trembling. "What if the rumors weren't false? What if he escapes one day and comes for us? I'm scared, Hamza... I can't stop thinking about what might happen."
Hamza sighed deeply, his heart aching to see her like this. He shifted closer, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. "Aliza, listen to me," he whispered, his voice steady and reassuring. "I won't let anything happen to you or Fatima. I promise."
"But what if—"
"No 'what ifs.'" He kissed the top of her head gently. "We've faced bigger challenges, and we'll get through this too. Faizan is locked away, and we have the army, the police... and me. You're safe with me."
Aliza buried her face in his chest, her sobs softening as his words soothed her. His embrace felt like a protective shield, surrounding her with warmth and security.
"Breathe, my love," Hamza whispered, gently rubbing her back. "It's just the fear playing tricks on your mind. I'm here, and I'll always be here."
Aliza inhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing heart. The steady rhythm of Hamza's heartbeat against her cheek felt like a lifeline, anchoring her back to the present.
"Do you feel better now?" he asked after a few moments, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze.
She nodded slowly, managing a small, grateful smile. "A little... thank you, Hamza. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out." He kissed her forehead softly. "Now, let's try to sleep. We've got each other, and that's all that matters."
With Hamza's comforting presence beside her, Aliza's fears began to fade, replaced by a sense of peace. She snuggled closer to him, allowing the exhaustion to finally take over. Within moments, she drifted into a deep, restful sleep, knowing she wasn't alone in facing the uncertainties of life.
Hamza, holding her close, stayed awake for a while longer, watching over her. His grip on her tightened slightly, silently vowing to protect his wife and daughter at any cost.
---.
Scene: The Nightmare Returns
The night stretched on quietly, but Aliza's peace was short-lived. Hours after falling asleep in Hamza's arms, her subconscious mind was trapped in a terrible dream.
In the dream, Faizan's face was twisted with rage as he lunged toward her, shouting, "You destroyed my life, and now I'll destroy yours!" Aliza tried to run, but her feet wouldn't move. She saw shadows closing in, heard her baby crying in the distance, and just as Faizan raised a hand to strike—
She jolted awake with a gasp, her heart pounding wildly. Sweat coated her forehead, and her breath came in shallow, rapid bursts. The nightmare felt so vivid that she could almost feel Faizan's hand near her.
Hamza stirred beside her, instantly alert when he noticed her sitting up, clutching the blanket tightly. "Aliza?" he whispered, concern thick in his voice. "What happened? Are you okay?"
She struggled to catch her breath, her hands shaking. "It... it was Faizan," she stammered. "He was trying to kill me. I could feel it, Hamza. It felt so real."
Hamza's heart clenched as he saw the terror in her eyes. He sat up, pulling her close, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "It was just a nightmare, love," he said gently. "He's in prison. He can't hurt you. It's over."
But Aliza shook her head, still gripped by fear. "It felt so real," she whispered. "What if it's a sign? What if he escapes for real?"
Hamza held her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Aliza, listen to me," he said, his voice firm but tender. "I know you're scared, but you need to trust that he's locked away for good. And even if something were to happen, I won't let anyone lay a finger on you. Not Faizan, not anyone."
Tears welled up in Aliza's eyes again, and she leaned her forehead against Hamza's. "I hate feeling this way," she murmured. "I just want to be at peace again."
"You will be," Hamza assured her, brushing a tear from her cheek. "It's just the fear messing with your mind. But we'll get through this together, okay? I've got you."
He kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, trying to erase the lingering traces of her fear. "Come on, try to lie down," he whispered, easing her back into the pillows.
Aliza hesitated but eventually lay back, her head resting against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, a soothing reminder of his unwavering presence.
"You want me to stay up and talk until you fall asleep?" Hamza offered softly.
"No," Aliza whispered. "Just hold me."
Hamza tightened his arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll hold you as long as you need," he promised.
Aliza closed her eyes, taking slow, deep breaths. With Hamza's arms wrapped around her like a protective cocoon, the fear gradually loosened its grip on her. The nightmare was just that—a nightmare. And in Hamza's embrace, she felt safe, knowing she wouldn't have to face her fears alone.
As the minutes ticked by, sleep eventually reclaimed her, and this time, it was free of haunting visions. Hamza stayed awake a little longer, listening to her soft breathing, silently vowing once more to keep his family safe—no matter what the future held.
Scene: Sunday Morning Assurance
The sun filtered through the curtains, filling the living room with a warm, golden light. Aliza and Hamza sat together on the couch after breakfast, sipping tea, the soft hum of the news channel playing in the background. Their daughter, Fatima, was in the corner, occupied with her toys, her cheerful chatter occasionally breaking the quiet atmosphere.
Hamza picked up his phone, scrolling through the latest news updates. "Hey, look at this," he said, tilting the screen toward Aliza.
Curious, she leaned in to see. A news report confirmed: "Faizan Khan remains securely detained at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. Security measures are intact. Rumors of his escape were false."
Hamza smiled and nudged her lightly. "See? He's not going anywhere, Aliza. He's locked up tight."
Aliza exhaled slowly, a little relief washing over her. "Thank God," she whispered, setting her tea down on the table.
Hamza placed his hand on hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I told you, love. You've got nothing to worry about."
Aliza nodded but didn't look entirely convinced. "I know, Hamza. But after everything that happened… it's hard to feel completely at ease. It's like I still have this shadow following me."
Hamza shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "It's natural to feel that way," he said softly. "But you have to remember that Faizan is in the past now. He's locked up, and you've already won. You exposed him. You're the reason he's behind bars."
Aliza rested her head on Hamza's shoulder, savoring the comfort of his words. "I just want to feel safe again," she murmured.
"You are safe," Hamza assured her. "And I'm here. Always."
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the cheerful babble of Fatima playing nearby. The weight of Aliza's fears felt a little lighter, but she knew it would take time for the lingering worry to fully fade.
Hamza leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "One step at a time, okay?"
Aliza smiled faintly, grateful for his unwavering support. "Okay."
The sound of Fatima giggling pulled them both out of their thoughts. Aliza glanced over, watching her daughter twirl a stuffed toy in the air, completely carefree.
In that moment, Aliza knew that no matter what fears lingered in her mind, she had everything she needed—her family, her husband, and her daughter. Together, they would move forward, leaving the shadows of the past behind.
Still, a small corner of her heart remained cautious, not quite ready to believe that Faizan's threat was fully gone. But with Hamza by her side, she felt strong enough to face whatever came next.
Scene: Monday Morning Routine
The quiet hum of alarms broke the stillness of early morning. The sky outside was just beginning to lighten as Aliza stirred awake. She rolled over to find Hamza already dressed in his uniform, tightening his belt in front of the mirror.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he teased with a grin.
Aliza yawned and stretched. "Morning. What time is it?"
"Almost six," Hamza said. "I didn't want to wake you. I know you didn't sleep well last night."
Aliza swung her legs off the bed, rubbing her eyes. "No time to sleep in. Fatima has school, and I need to head to work."
From the next room, they heard Fatima's excited voice, already awake and calling out, "Mama! Papa!"
Hamza chuckled. "I'll get her ready for school."
Aliza smiled, grateful. "Thanks. I'll make breakfast."
---
Scene: Breakfast and School Drop-off
The kitchen buzzed with the scent of freshly made parathas and scrambled eggs. Aliza quickly packed her work files into her bag while Hamza fed Fatima a spoonful of yogurt, laughing at the way she kicked her legs in excitement.
"Guess who's going to school today?" Hamza asked their daughter playfully.
"Me!" Fatima chirped, clapping her tiny hands.
Aliza handed Hamza a lunchbox. "Here's her snack. Don't forget to pick her up at 2 p.m., okay?"
Hamza winked. "Major Hamza never forgets a mission."
They both shared a laugh as the morning rushed by in a blur—Hamza dropping Fatima off at the new school and Aliza getting into her car, heading toward her office.
---
Scene: Aliza at Work
At SUPARCO's headquarters, the buzz of the upcoming satellite projects filled the air. Aliza was back to her usual self, throwing herself into work. She attended morning meetings, reviewed progress reports, and coordinated with her team. Though work provided a welcome distraction, thoughts of Fatima occasionally crept in. How was her little girl doing on her first day of school?
By lunchtime, Aliza found herself checking her phone every few minutes, waiting for an update from Hamza. Eventually, a text arrived: "Fatima's happy and playing with her new friends. She didn't even cry. 😄"
Relieved, Aliza smiled and put her phone away. Work called, and she was ready to tackle it.
---
Scene: Hamza's Duty
Meanwhile, Hamza was stationed at the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi. His day was filled with meetings, inspections, and briefings—routine but essential tasks. Between assignments, he kept Fatima's picture on his desk, glancing at it with pride.
He felt content knowing his family was settled, but a small part of him worried about Aliza's lingering fears. He knew she was strong, but he also knew how deeply the past still haunted her.
---
Scene: Afternoon Pick-up
At 2 p.m., Hamza stood at the school gate, waiting for Fatima. When she spotted him, she broke into a sprint, her little backpack bouncing on her shoulders.
"Papa!" she shouted, throwing herself into his arms.
Hamza lifted her effortlessly, kissing her cheek. "How was your first day, princess?"
"Fun! I made a friend, Papa!" Fatima beamed.
Hamza chuckled. "I knew you would."
He carried her to the car, buckling her into her seat, and they headed home.
---
Scene: Evening at Home
When Aliza returned home in the evening, Fatima ran to greet her at the door. "Mama! Guess what? I have a friend!"
Aliza knelt down and hugged her daughter tightly. "That's wonderful, sweetheart! I'm so proud of you."
Later that night, after dinner, they settled into their new routine—Hamza helping Fatima with her bedtime story while Aliza prepped her work for the next day. Life felt busy but balanced, each piece of their routine falling into place.
As Aliza crawled into bed next to Hamza that night, she felt a sense of accomplishment. Work was fulfilling, Fatima had adjusted to school, and Hamza was always by her side. Though the past still lingered in her thoughts, the rhythm of their everyday life gave her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.
"See? We've got this," Hamza whispered, pulling her close.
Aliza smiled in the dim light, her heart full. "Yeah, we do."
Scene: Conversations About the Future
A few days later, after dinner, Hamza and Aliza sat together in their cozy living room. Fatima was already tucked into bed, her soft snores echoing from the next room. Hamza leaned back, glancing toward Aliza, who was engrossed in a book.
"Aliza," he began softly, "I've been thinking... what if we plan for a second child?"
Aliza looked up from her book, her expression neutral. "A second child? So soon?"
Hamza nodded with a hopeful smile. "Fatima would love a sibling. I just think it might be nice to grow the family."
Aliza bit her lip, unsure how to respond. "I don't know, Hamza. Things are already busy with work, and Fatima is still young... It's just a lot to consider right now."
Sensing her hesitation, Hamza gently squeezed her hand. "No rush. Just think about it, okay?"
Aliza nodded, offering him a soft smile. "Okay, we'll see."
---
Scene: Life Resumes Routine
Days passed, and life continued as usual. Aliza buried herself in her job, balancing work, home, and motherhood with her characteristic determination. Fatima adjusted well to her school, becoming more playful and curious with each passing day.
Hamza, too, found himself drawn deeper into his duties, though he made sure to spend quality time with Aliza and Fatima whenever he could. Despite the brief conversation about a second child, they didn't revisit the topic immediately. The rhythm of life carried them forward, and they embraced the routine that had begun to shape their days.
---
Scene: Aaliya and Fahad's Daily Chats
Meanwhile, Aaliya and Fahad's relationship continued to bloom through late-night phone calls. From playful banter to deep conversations about their future, they built their bond one chat at a time. Some nights, they laughed together, making grand plans about life after marriage. Other times, disagreements sparked small arguments, only to be resolved with apologies and sweet words.
"Why do you always ignore my messages for hours?" Aaliya once complained playfully.
"I was on-site, love. You know that," Fahad responded gently, hoping to soothe her.
"I know," Aaliya sighed, "but it annoys me sometimes."
"And I'm sorry for that," Fahad replied sincerely. "But I miss you every second I'm away, even if I can't say it right then."
Aaliya smiled, her irritation fading. "I miss you too. Sometimes too much."
These conversations became the highlight of their day, bridging the distance between them and deepening their connection. Though they had their ups and downs, their relationship blossomed with every heartfelt word exchanged.
---
Scene: A Night of Reflection
Later that night, as Aliza lay beside Hamza, she thought about their conversation regarding a second child. Her mind wandered to Aaliya and Fahad's evolving relationship and how life was moving in new directions for everyone. There were so many unknowns, but one thing remained constant—her family.
Hamza noticed her deep in thought and wrapped his arm around her. "What's on your mind?"
"Just thinking about everything," Aliza murmured. "About us, Fatima, Aaliya and Fahad... and what comes next."
Hamza kissed her temple, his voice gentle. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Aliza smiled, feeling comforted by his words. Though the future was uncertain, she knew they would find a way to navigate it—just as they always had.