Always In Your Heart

Chapter - 23 Unexpected Deal

Unedited....

In the darkness of night, Shazil and Arsh along with Uzair's team, arrived at the desolate warehouse near the jungle. Shadows danced across the surface as they cautiously approached the building. Air was thick with the tension, as their hearts were racing in prediction of the confrontation ahead.

They saw two guards near the gate, and ducked down their head beside the wall as Uzair's team went forward to handle the guards. Shazil and Arsh quickly sneaked towards the direction,where Maria was locked, as told by the Uzair.
With every step they took, their heartbeat grew loud. Their path was clear, no one was there except the two guards which were laying unconscious. They kicked the creaking door open, adrenaline rushing through their veins. And the scene they witness was enough to both shattered their hearts and ignited their resolve.
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Maria was in deep sleep, but her slumber was broken due the harsh sound of someone trying to break her room's door. She had been brave through her ordeal, but now she overcome with a whirlwind of emotions—fear, nervousness, anxiety and what not.  She closed her eyes in terror as the broken door fell on the surface.

"Maria!" Arsh's voice quivered with emotion, as he rushed to his sister and enveloped her in a tight hug. Shazil came afterwards, a mix of relief and anguish in his eyes seeing the condition of Maria.

"Thank God, you're safe," Shazil murmured, his voice choked with emotion as he checked her from head to toe, no injury or wound was present on her body.

"Bhai!!!" Maria, sobbed clinging to her brother, the presence of her brother and cousins brought a tidal wave of emotions in her.

"You're fine princess." Shazil uttered, wiping her tears and Maria nodded, her heart overwhelmed with so many emotions. Arsh stood up and glanced through the passage to check the odds of risk but he didn't find one. Also he got the signals from the team, the route is clear.

"We need to be quick." Arsh shrieked and Shazil and Maria were quick to follow his pace.

As they crossed the narrow dark passage, the man covered with black mask appeared in the wode hallway. It was easy to make that behind the mask  a cruel smile was playing on his lips as he took threatening steps towards them. Shazil quickly hid Maria behind his back.

"No, youngman no need! I wish no harm to you." Rauf Ansari said in over sweet voice, noticing Shazil's act. He came beside Arsh and glanced at the frightened face of the trio.

"What do you want then? Let us go!!!" Shazil demaned, looking directly in his eyes, which were bloodshot red.

"Make a deal with me......"He was cut off by the punch Arsh has blown at his stomach. He laughed like a maniac and then with anger flashing in his eyes, he pointed gun at Arsh, his eyes devoid of any humanity as he roared,"Don't try to show your bravery here, I will waste no time in piercing your skull with bullets."

"Tie his hands and legs" he yelled at his men and they quickly did it.

Maria flinched at his rageful roar and peeked at her brother who was standing so calmly with gun on his forehead. She gulped down her saliva in fear, praying to her lord for their safety.

"So the deal is, either Maria marries Shazil, or Arsh here loses his life," he spat, the threat echoing in the stale air making Maria's heart to tremble in fear.

Shazil and Maria, who had always shared a unique bond of cousins, found themselves trapped in a sinister game orchestrated by the devil. Fear danced in their hearts, but they knew well they had to make a quick decision or the life's of three of them will be in danger.

"BE QUICK! 1, 2, ......" The voice sent shivers down their spines as they saw the evil man pressing the trigger.

With her heart pounding loudly, Maria knew wjat she was supposed to do and she had no choice. "I am ready," she said, her voice cracking but firm  despite the whirlwind of emotions within her as all what matters now was the life of her brother.