DECEPTION

12

Once outside, the announcement about Gul bahar's death shattered the air before Zaraar could finish his speech.

"What are your thoughts on the passing of Gulbahar?" Zarrar froze mid-sentence, the sudden news of her demise had caught him off guard. With a racing heart, he turned to the reporter who had asked him the question.

Manar A'az.

Their eyes met. All around them quite murmurs became loud judgements.

Zaraar gripped the podium tightly, fighting to keep his composure as the other reporters caught on and bombarded him with questions. He felt their curious eyes on him, waiting for him to falter.

"No comment," Zaraar finally managed to say in the nearest mic, his voice betraying no emotions but inside, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of feelings.

"You are to come with us," Someone whispered in Marjan's ear behind Zarrar. A hand clamped on her mouth before she could even scream and she found herself being forcefully dragged into a room.

"What the heck?" Marjan hissed through gritted teeth, glaring daggers at Asim who was already seated, looking far too comfortable for someone who had just orchestrated her abduction.

"I came here to ensure the interrogation went smoothly," Asim stated, standing up as the DIG and other officers left the room.

Marjan couldn't help but roll her eyes in response.

Chuckling, Asim continued, "Of course, we must prioritize your husband's safety. After all, you're my only sis-"

"Asim!" Marjan scolded him, her voice hushed.

Asim's expression grew serious as he responded, "I am trying to help you."

Zaraar adjusted his sunglasses with a trembling hand, his attempt to regain composure amidst the encroaching crowd. He glanced around, hoping to locate Marjan or Saim to make their exit, but they were nowhere to be found.

"Gulbahar is no more. Why do you still breathe?" Within seconds, a forceful shove sent Zaraar tumbling down the steps and into the midst of the enraged mob.

Amidst the struggle to find his own footing, Zarrar noticed the reporter wrestling to navigate through the chaos. A pang of concern gripped his heart.

"Qaatil!"

"Marjan!" Zarrar's voice reverberated through the chaotic crowd as he pushed forward, his gaze fixed on Manar. Despite the barrage of accusations being hurled his way, he pressed on, determined to reach her. However, as the commotion intensified, he lost sight of her amidst the sea of people.

"Manar!" Zarrar's voice rang out, surrounded on all sides by a swarm of reporters. They were like a pack of ravenous wolves, throwing questions at him left and right.

Just as he was on the verge of losing hope, Zarrar's eyes caught sight of Saim and his team several heads away, steadily approaching him.

"Zarrar!" Saim shouted concern etched on his face.

"Find Marjan!" Zarrar ordered his head of security when he reached him, desperation creeping into his voice. He knew he couldn't lose her too. He continued to push through the crowd, his eyes scanning every face for a glimpse of her. Zarrar felt a wave of panic wash over him. He tried to focus on finding his lawyer, but the chaos around him made it almost impossible.

The sound of shouting and jeering from outside the station interrupted their conversation.

"Murderer!" someone shouted, inciting a roar of agreement from the angry mob.