Widow

3. MURDER

For a long time there was silence, deep silence in the room. Then Zain stood up.

"I am going to visit the crime scene. You take her to her brother's." He said motioning towards the room in which Moona had disappeared. Then he walked towards the door. Suddenly he turned.

"And also don't tell her anything yet."

"Why not tell her??" Hashim asked. A deep sorrow in his voice. Zain came over to him.

"Compose yourself Hash. Don't let her suspect anything at all. It will be better for her if she hear about this from her brother. Moreover I want to see the body first. Myself." He placed his hand on his shoulder. Hashim pressed his hand under his own.

"Take care." was all he managed to say.

"I will." Zain said and left the place.

      ....................................

Moona came out of her room with a bag on her shoulder. Hashim was sitting on the sofa with his head in his hands.

"Lets go." She said to him, " Where is that friend of yours?"

"He is gone. He had some work to do." Hashim said standing up. They walked towards the door.

"He came here with you to take me to Khalil bhai's and now all of a sudden he has got some work to do. That's strange." She said opening the door.

"He is a cop, Moona. There's nothing strange."Hashim said. They sat in Hashim's car. "Now if you keep quiet and pray for Taimoor, I want some solitude."  He said while Moona just nodded. She was very upset rightnow that she didn't want to speak about anything either.

            ...........................

When Zain reached the place, he was shocked to see the body. It was Taimoor's without any doubt, hanging with the electric pole. Thick lines of blood ran through his face towards the neck and then to his shirt making the white colour of the shirt a crimson red. He had been shot in the head. It was hard for Zain to compose himself. He put his hand on his mouth in disbelief. Back there at Taimoor's house he had some hope that the police might have found some other body. But now watching at his friend, hanging on the pole, he was numb. All hope was gone. A hope to save his friend. There was none left.

"Sir, this note was tied to the body." An officer came near him and gave him a piece of paper. There was something typed on it.

"This is the first gift. We will love to send such beautiful gifts if you dont stop here. Officer Zain Abdullah." 

"There must be some fingerprints. Did you check??" He asked the officer.

"None, sir. Though we have not examined the body yet."

"Why?"

"You asked not to disturb the scene."

"Oh that's good. Well check out for any kind of evidence. Cut the ropes. And don't call for the ambulance. We don't need any postmortem."

"But sir.." The officer tried to say something but was interepted by a glare from Zain.

"I am an officer of secret service. That body, hanging there, is of my friend. You cannot make me do what you want. I am in command here. Do as I say." He stopped to look at the body and then continued in a cold voice. "Otherwise you will have to pay for the circumstances, officer."

"Yes, sir." The officer nodded and went to give orders.

............................

They arrived soon. Hashim got out of the car and opened the door for Moona.

"I am feeling strange, Hashim." She said looking up at Khalil's Villa.

"Like what?"Hashim asked. And then reached to ring the door bell. A screeching noise cut the silence of the dark night.

"You are pretty much quiet. That is odd. And I have this feeling like someone is drawing out the soul from me." Moona said shuddering . Her face was very pale. Hashim had difficulty to endure his emotions.

"Maybe its your condition." He replied. There was some noise from the other side of the gate.

"Maybe." Moona said quietly.

"Who's there?" Khalil's voice came.

"It's us." Hashim said and the gate opened.

"Come in, bacho (children)." Khalil's face appeared. Then he noticed something.

"Zain, he was with you. Where is he?" He asked Hashim.

"He's got some work to do."

"What is the meaning of this??" They have entered the lounge where the rest of the family were seated. Salma came to hug Moona and took her to one of the couches.

"You OK, dear?" She asked her, concerned.

"Yes, appa. Everything is gonna be alright." She faked a smile to ensure her. It was enough for Hashim now. He came out in the lawn with Khalil following him.

"What is happening? Why did Zain leave?" He asked.

"The police have found a body. Zain has gone to see whether its his or not" Hashim said, tears forming in his eyes.

"No... it cannot be." Khalil stumbled but Hashim quickly handled him.

"There is still hope, bhai!" He said. "Don't give up so easily."

"Call him. And ask him what he has found." Khalil said moving towards the chairs.

"Okay." Hashim said. Then he took out his cell phone. Dialing the number, he walked away from Khalil.

"Salam, Zain where are you??"

"I am texting you the address. Come to me as soon as possible. And have you reached the villa?" Zain asked.

"Yes, I am here. What happened?" Hashim asked.

"Bad news. The body. Its his." Zain said, his voice was wet.

"Oh Zain. I can't do this. I can't tell them." Hashim
cried.

"Yes, you can. Please tell them. And come to me. I am so alone here and I want you to be with me."

"What is the condition of the body?" Hashim asked with fear in his voice.

"Not good." Zain said, "Not bad." and hung up.

Hashim turned and walked towards Khalil who was looking at him with hope in his eyes.

"What did he say?" He asked.

"I have to go. He needs me there." Hashim said, not looking in Khalil's eyes. Khalil closed his eyes. Pain written on his face. After a moment he opened them.

"Come inside. Have some water." He said, crying.
"I can't. I am leaving. I don't have the courage. Please." Hashim said and then left. Khalil stood there mourning for a long time until....

"Baba, amma is calling for you. Please come inside." Asad's voice came from behind. Khalil wiped his tears quickly and turned to went inside. He had a job to do. He had to look after his sister now...