Haashir walked in to the office of his friend, Danish Sheikh, alongside whom he had solved many of the cases. Dani stood up from his chair and slapped Haashir on the back, then hugged him.
“How are you, buddy?” he asked, looking at Haashir closely.
“I am perfect. What about you? Is Jahanzaib being lenient on you these days?” Haashir asked as he got comfortable in a chair in front of his friend’s desk and sat down.
“He’s is going smooth, nothing different.” Dani said. At thirty, Dani’s head already showed signs that he would be losing his hair anytime now. His beetle, black eyes were covered by gold-rimmed spectacles that looked quite sexy on his face. He was lean and tall with a straight frame and a commanding profile. Moreover, he was excellent at his job. Haashir and Dani had solved numerous cases together and when they were together, the bad guy could run nowhere.
“That’s great. Where is he, anyway? I have to be back on my way to Islamabad and he’s making me wait so much.”
“He was around ten minutes before you showed up. His secretary tells me that he received an urgent phone call and had to rush on site. I’m sure he will be back in some time.”
“I hope he hurries up.”
“So, man, what’s up with you? You look good. I think your reunion with the family has done you a world of good.”
“Oh, yes! It definitely has.” Haashir grinned at his friend.
“Although, it’s the family but something on your face tells me there is another side to this story than the one I am watching.”
“Definitely. I am getting married.” He smiled and told his friend.
“Really?” The look of genuine happiness of his friend’s face warmed his heart.
“When? Where? How? Who is she? You never told me.”
“She’s my childhood friend and neighbor. We used to be best friends and then I proposed and she said yes, so we are getting married next month.”
“Wow! You never told me about her, ever.” Dani smiled.
“We weren’t in contact and I wasn’t even sure if she remembered me or not. It seems she remembers me pretty well.”
“That’s great. I am happy for you, man.” Before Haashir could reply, there was a knock on the door.
“Enter!” Danish called out. Jahanzaib’s secretary entered, holding her overcoat in her hand and her bag on her shoulder.
“Sir is asking for you, Mr. Saleem.” She informed him. Haashir quickly stood up from his chair as if he was electrocuted and rushed towards Jahanzaib’s office. He knocked and entered when he was bidden to. His boss was lounging in his chair, his shirt collar buttons open and a look of worry on his face.
“Have a seat Haashir.” He motioned for him to sit. Haashir sat down and looked at his boss. He sighed deeply and scrutinized Haashir’s face.
“You must be wondering why I summoned you when you are supposedly on your vacation.” He said. Haashir nodded.
“We have a grave problem, Haashir.”
“What kind of problem, sir?”
“Look at this.” He said and picked up the remote from the desk and pressed a button. The cabin behind Haashir slid out, showing them a flat screen television. The screen lit up and the video started.
The video was recorded in Islamabad at the Margalla road. A white corolla was driving at sixty miles per hour, towards the junction of the F-8 and F-9 signal. The car suddenly picks up speed and faster it goes, until it crashes on the pole right beside the entrance to the Fatima Jinnah Park. As Haashir watches, the back door of the car open and somebody gets out but the face of that person was not shown. Then, the camera shifts towards the driver of the car and he stood up. It was Aida’s father.
