VENGEANCE

32

[A/N: I've made a new insta acc, (zeyniv_)

I'll probably upload stories of written draft of stories I might upload after this, plus maybe a few spoilers for next chapter xx]

"It's that Khizr. I know for sure it is him," Farooq spoke with certainty after his assistant explained that Raheem had been the target of an assassination attempt. The shooting had occurred near Khizr's company, and coincidentally-or not-Fateh had been nearby as well. Amal's mind raced. She knew she had heard the name Fateh before, but she couldn't quite place it.

As the weight of the situation settled over her, Amal felt her heart constrict with fear. Raheem, her brother, was in critical condition, and she couldn't shake the image of him lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life. The mere thought of losing him sent waves of panic crashing through her. She bit her lip, trying to maintain her composure, but her hands trembled as she clasped them tightly together. The fear of losing Raheem was paralysing, and the thought that Khizr might be involved only deepened her dread.

Farooq's assistant continued, his tone laced with gravity. According to him, Fateh was renowned for his shooting skills, and Farooq "But Uncle-" Zakariya began, only to be interrupted by the sudden arrival of the doctor from the operating theater.

"Raheem survived the assassination attempt. The bullets missed his vital organs, but his condition is still critical. He lost a significant amount of blood and requires intensive care," the doctor informed them.

"Will he be okay?" Zakariya asked anxiously.

The doctor paused, choosing his words carefully. "It's too early to say for certain. He's stable for now, but the next 24 hours are critical. We'll do everything we can to ensure he recovers. I'll keep you informed of any changes."

As the doctor spoke, Amal's thoughts spiralled. What if Raheem didn't make it? The image of her brother lying on a hospital bed, pale and fighting for his life, played over and over in her mind, tearing at her composure. She needed to be strong, but the fear gnawed at her relentlessly.

Farooq stood up abruptly, giving Zakariya a brief nod. "Message me with updates," he instructed before walking away. The doctor, slightly taken aback by the father's relaxed attitude, raised his brows in surprise, perhaps not used to seeing a father walk away when his son was in such a critical condition.

"What about my dad?" Zakariya asked, watching Farooq disappear down the corridor, followed closely by his assistant.

"The bullet only grazed Mr. Afzal's arm. It caused some blood loss, but it didn't hit any major arteries or bones. He's stable and out of any immediate danger. You can meet him; he's in room 9. Take the elevator to floor 8, turn right at the end of the corridor, and room 9 will be just around the corner," the doctor instructed, pointing to the elevator.

Zakariya nodded and thanked him.

"We'll go meet Baba and then I'll come downstairs for bhai," Zakariya told her, sensing her inner turmoil. Amal opened her mouth to protest-she wanted to be by Raheem's side, to watch over him-but Zakariya, anticipating her objection, added, "There's no point in you waiting here. I'll come and tell you whenever there's an update from the doctor."

Amal nodded reluctantly, knowing he was right. Someone had to be with her uncle, but the pull to stay with her brother was almost too strong to resist. Just as they were about to get into the elevator, a tall man in a doctor's coat called Zakariya from behind. Amal turned to see it was her brother's friend, the one he had been speaking to a week ago when they arrived.

"Can you go alone? I'll be there in a few minutes," Zakariya said. Amal nodded and entered the elevator, watching as he hurried off to meet the man. The doors closed, and Amal found herself staring into the corridor, her mind a fog of confusion. She hadn't asked for the room number, and now she couldn't recall it. The doctor's words about Raheem's critical condition had clouded her mind, making it difficult to focus on anything else.