Chapter 39

Aahil sat hunched over the bed for what seemed like an eternity. His eyes seemed to have permanently fixed to the laptop screen and he was lost in thought.

I kept pacing the length of the floor, focusing on the past conversations that I have had with my father, ragging my mind for any possible word that could be used as the password.

Even though the present situation was very stressful, I couldn't help but doubt uncle Haroon's intentions. I had tried dismissing the negative thoughts in the past but right now I had to wonder whether this could be a trap to attain information.

Aahil got up from his place after long moments of silence and extracted his phone from his trouser pockets.

"Hello."

Silence.

"Detective Hamilton we need your help."

Silence.

"I believe we have found our first potential clue and I wish to report it to the crime investigation department immediately."

Silence.

"Thank you."

Aahil slipped his phone back into his trouser pockets and looked wearily at uncle Haroon before he took a seat in one of the vacant chair present in the room.

"I need to clarify a few things."

Uncle Haroon returned a blank expression.

"When did you realise that Ayaan Aboobaker was in trouble."

"I and Ayaan were best of friends and often discussed our researches, but when we were working on the UPSIDE project, he seemed to act secretive and began avoiding me."

"And?"

"I never ever thought that it could be because of the threats he had been receiving. I was sure that he was working overtime so that he could achieve fame and I had made up my mind that I would beat him."

"Then how did you realise that he was receiving threats?"

"One winter evening, we were given off a few hours earlier than usual due to the weather. I decided to go home, but had to change my mind."

"Why?"

"Because of the flat tyre."

"Somehow I don't believe everything you say."

"It's your take, do as you please," Uncle Haroon replied rudely, "Should I continue?"

Aahil nodded his head, "What happened after that?"

"As you know that laboratory is situated in a very deserted place in order to lessen the air pollution and if I were to be left behind then I wouldn't find any public transports. Therefore, I made my way back to my workplace. I thought there might be someone who could help me as I didn't have a spare."

"Carry on."

"I was flabbergast by the scene I witnessed there."

"What did you see?"

Uncle Haroon took a shuddering breath. He spoke slowly, it felt like he was visualising the scene in his mind. "I entered the spacious laboratory and found it to be dead, there wasn't anyone in sight. Everyone had vacated because of the weather announcement. I decided to call home and ask Isaac to bring down his car to fetch me. I was about to turn on my heels when I heard hushed whispers."

He ran a hand through his head, "Could I get a glass of water?"

I got up from my place and went to the kitchen taking robotic steps, my mind was acting like a whirlwind, processing too much at the moment.

I returned to the living room, handed him the glass and took my seat.

We waited patiently for ten minutes, and he kept bitting his bottom lip and drinking water in small sips.

Finally, he spoke up. "There were four men in the room. One of them was in a chair, tied up. Someone seemed to be questioning him whilst the other two stood next to him," His voice shook, "That man pulled out his gun and shouted something ugly."

I retrieved my steps and hid in the storeroom present beside Ayaan's cabin and in the creak of the door, I saw the three of them leave the room with brisk steps.

I heard Ayaan's loud sobs but was too unnerved to get up from my place and help him.

After about ten minds I saw Ayaan locking his cabin and making his way towards the staircase that would lead to the exit in the backyard of the company. I began stalking him, he went to the warehouse and hid something before he resumed his journey home.

I sneaked into the warehouse after he had left and searched thoroughly but to my utter dismay, found nothing.

I kept stalking Ayaan most of the time, after that fateful evening and I was quite surprised to find him meeting unknown people in weird places. I tried confronting him but he seemed to be lost in thought most of the times and I just had to back off after repeated silences from his end.

"Did you ever come to know what was going on?" Aahil prompted.

Uncle Haroon ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, a grim expression permanent on his face.

"One night I and Ayaan were having dinner at the plaza as we were celebrating the tenth year of our friendship and Ayaan was in a very good mood but it turned sour as soon as he received a call."

"Who called?"

"He seemed to be shivering with fear and then he finally confided a few things. He received a call from an unknown source asking him to meet that particular person on the very night in the laboratory."

"And he agreed?"

"Yes"

"Why?"

"Because he was already in a lot of trouble. He had enough of the threats he was receiving. He wished to end it forever."

"What kind of threats?"

Uncle Haroon leaned forward, sitting on the edge of his seat, propelling his elbows on his knees. He was clad in a white shirt and black trousers, his clothing always managed to be immaculate and crisp, but today they seemed to be crumpled and he looked weary and haggard.

"He had been getting a lot of threats to hand over his research papers but he always lied to them saying that he hadn't been able to achieve any success in the UPSIDE project. They had granted him a few months to work on it, provided he agrees to report the workings to them every week."

"Why didn't he divulge it to the police or to my dad?"

"He was scared."

"Scared of?"

"As long as he kept their secret, Aleena would be safe."

Aahil ran a hand through his beard and blew out a ragged breath.

"So did he give them information?"

Uncle Haroon shook his head, "He kept giving them false reports until The owner of our rival company asked Ayaan to meet him."

"Why?"

"He offered him a job. They met in one of the finest restaurants in the country. Ayaan was excited that someone with so much fame wanted to meet him personally. He told Ayaan that he had travelled all the way because he had heard what a brilliant scientist Ayaan was and wanted him to work in his company."

"Who was he?"

"Rizwan Farooqui, of course."

"Did he agree to take it?"

"Rizwan told Ayaan that in his company they treasure talent and he should be working for more money than he actually does, but Ayaan was adamant that he couldn't leave his job."

"Didn't he question his refusal? Anyone would switch jobs for more money."

"Ayaan always said that loyalty comes first and he considered A1 international as his family, he wouldn't leave it for anything."

Aahil looked at me and our gazes met at a mutual understanding, and he gave me a soft smile. Silent tears made their way from my eyes and trickled down my cheeks, I always knew that dad couldn't be guilty. Even though people suspected his intentions, his little princess was never ready to let go of his Superhero image.

He had been by far the most perfect person I had seen, and It was a relief to hear about his heroism even when he was subjected to such pure torture.

Aahil got up from his place and knelt in front of me, he took my coiled fist in his and patted them. "It's fine to cry," and at that comment, I cried harder and it felt a lot better to do so.

After I had gained my equilibrium, Aahil got up from his place and sat close beside me, enveloping me in a warm embrace.

"Are you fine?" Aahil enquired as he gently caressed my arms and I nodded my head.

"Sure?"

I returned a faint smile.

"What happened after that?"

"Rizwan tried a lot to change Ayaan's mind but was unsuccessful. He even tried to bribe him by offering a huge amount of money but when Ayaan was adamant about his decision, he disclosed that those threats were sent by him and if he loves his family he should agree."

Aahil shook his head and let out a deep breath, "With every word you utter the story turns more bitter."

Uncle Haroon began crying, "Ayaan knew that they would kill him, but before his death, he wanted to complete his research. He worked even during the night and I believe that he has hidden the information in some secure place."

Aahil swallowed and licked his dry lips, "We will decide our next move once the detective comes here. I'm sure that he could be of great help."

Just then there was a loud ringing of the doorbell and Aahil excused himself and went to answer it. He returned a few seconds later accompanied by Detective Hamilton.

As soon as Uncle Haroon set his eyes on Detective Hamilton all the blood drained out from his face and he looked pale.

"Is everything fine?" Aahil demanded urgently.

Uncle Haroon made no response, he just sat there staring at Hamilton with the expression on pure terror!

And then without warning, he leapt to his feet and made a mad dash towards the door and disappeared into the darkness of the night.