Forbidden Love ft. Kareena

7. THE AWAITED ENCOUNTER

Haseena crept through the narrow, deserted gulley, her boots making almost no sound against the cracked pavement. The dim streetlights above flickered ominously, casting long, wavering shadows on the worn-out walls. Ragrez Gulley, infamous for shady deals and secret meetings. Tonight, was a chance when all of their hard work, and restless search might finally pay off. 15th August had come after a dragging amount of time. She was determined to catch the Qayaamat they'd been hunting for weeks. Perhaphs, that could be worth all the grand celebrations held on this day.

She halted at a corner, pressing her back against the cold brick wall. Her instincts seemed to be telling her that her target was close. Through the faint fog of the night, she could hear soft, hurried footsteps, as if someone was pacing. Haseena's grip on her gun tightened. With careful, deliberate steps, she edged around the corner. There he was—cloaked in a black, flowing robe, standing under the faint glow of a flickering street lamp. He looked over his shoulder, scanning the alley, but failed to

Haseena pulled out her revolver and stepped forward, her voice cutting through the silent night.

"Stop right there! Bhagne ki koshish mat karna, humare paas revolver hain. Turn around"

The figure flinched and followed her command and turned around slowly, brows furrowed. Haseena could tell he hadn't expected her presence; this was supposed to be a covert meeting. The criminal hesitated for a split second before breaking into a run, sprinting down the gulley with incredible speed.

Haseena's finger reflexively went to the trigger, but she didn't shoot. She immediately took off after him, her heart racing, mind filled with determination.

She was fast, but he was quicker. The chase wound through narrow alleys, over stacks of crates, and under low-hanging clotheslines. To her luck, there was a dead end in front. Just as Haseena closed the gap, the hooded figure stopped, spinning around to face her. He didn't look as startled anymore. She barely had time to react as he landed a swift kick. The impact sent her gun skidding across the road, making a clattering sound across the concrete road.

Haseena threw a punch at his chest, causing the man to stagger a few steps back. They both continued to thrash at each other, trying to get the upper hand. But both seemed to be equals, and neither were in the mood of defeat.

Haseena aimed another punch, but he quickly dodged it. Her opponent was skilled, moving with a fluid grace and striking with precision. Now she understood that her opponent wasn't weak in strength or strategy. He was taking his time to analyze and observe her.

A kick to her torso sent her crashing against a wall, her breath knocked out of her. She stumbled, trying to regain her footing, but the figure was on her again. Neither of the two agreed to give up. They exchanged a few more blows. Haseena knew that the man had the upper hand. In one swift motion, the criminal swept at her legs, sending her sprawling onto the ground. She winced as her back hit the pavement, the impact knocking the wind out of her lungs.

Haseena could see her revolver lying unused just two feet away from her hand. She tried to reach for the gun, but the man kicked it away. As she struggled to get up, the criminal loomed over her, breathing heavily. Their eyes met for a brief moment—his were cold and calculating. Haseena's eyes widened as she saw him take out a pocket knife from his pocket, the sharp blade shining silver in the moonlight. Fidgeted with it, swinging the handle casually, as if a life didn't depend on it!

"It would be better for you if you stopped following me."

Instead of delivering the final blow, the criminal simply turned and darted back into the shadows. Haseena grunted, pushing herself onto her elbows. The pain from the fight throbbed in her side, but she couldn't let go of the Qayaamat now, after coming so close to the truth. She finally got hold of her gun. There was only one option now- She quickly aimed at the figure, pressing the trigger once. The sound echoed through the dark night.

She could see in the distance, the blurry figure flinching as the bullet grazed its shoulder. The sudden jerk made it topple over. Due to that, a black garment that was wrapped around the head fell down. Exposed, long, dark hair cascaded down from where the turban had been, as the criminal ran holding one shoulder. Even with the wound, the figure disappeared into the shadows in the blink of an eye.

Haseena got up and dusted her uniform, trying to ignore the sharp pain all over her. She ran faster than she ever had, looking for him. Or rather, her.

It had hit her the moment she had heard the deep, hoarse feminine voice the criminal had threatened her in. The figure's agile movements, the subtle build, and now the long hair— It all made sense now.

The Qayaamat is a woman.

On the ground a few feet away lay a part of the criminal's disguise—a small, black turban, fallen loose during the chase. She squinted at it, realization settling in.

Mahila Police Thana had been chasing the wrong lead all this time. The criminal everyone believed was a notorious man was, in fact, a woman—cunning, elusive, and dangerous.

There you go guys. New update will be coming shortly. Let me know about your opinions in the chat. 

What does your guesses say about the  Qayaamat?