Humaira, Hafeez, the police, Raeesa's family, Maami and Naeemah were all seated waiting on another call or result from the police

"It is blocked" The police said raising their head

"What do you mean blocked? Humaira asked

"We couldn't track the sim anymore. The connection is suddenly cut off"

Naeemah looked around and decided she had to do this, she needed to put her best friend before her selfish interest, she needed the truth and needed to save her best friend even if it means hurting herself. She needed to save her special person even if it means loosing the other.

"Can we talk, alone? Naeemah leaned in, whispering to Humaira. Humaira nodded and they excused themselves

"What's wrong Naeemah? You look pale. I know you are worried and we all are but you need to calm down. We have gotten a lead and insha Allah she'll be found"

"No no it's not about that" Naeemah replied

"It's about what then? Humaira inquired

"It's......it's"

"Naeemah what is it, tell me"

"Humaira I......I"

"What is it Naeemah? Humaira asked, her voice going over the edge

"I think I know who's behind all these" Naeemah spoke up with a lump in her throat. There, she said it and there wasn't taking it back.

"What? Who's behind it? How do you know? Who's it Naeemah?

"It's..... it's Mr Yaari"

Humaira stood looking at her shocked, with her mouth agape as she tried to fathom what her cousin said. Mr Yaari? No it can't be. Yes she admit she gets weird vibes from him but kidnapping? Is it really something he will stoop low to? He has a growing business doesn't he and he's making more than enough. Is the kidnapping the main source of his income and his business a coverage for it?

"No Naeemah, it can't be. I'm sure you're assuming things"

"No no no I promise it's the truth. I'm also trying very hard to come to terms with it. I'm still not ready to accept it's him and I don't even think I have accepted it. Telling you is what's pushing me to come to terms with it"

"How did you find out? Humaira asked

Naeemah took a deep breath and filled Humaira in on everything that has happened so far. Taking a break only after she was done, she needed to take this off her chest

"So now what do we do? Humaira asked

"I want to meet him, confirm if it's the same number then follow him" Naeemah replied

"What? How do you plan on doing that? That's a very dangerous thing to do Naeemah and I'm pretty sure you know I won't allow it"

"But why not? This is my only opportunity Humaira and I will get very good information from that or even save Raeesa"

"That's the police work Naeemah not you. You're a woman for goodness sake not some superhero woman from movies or books! Humaira exclaimed

"The police have zero leads, they can't track the sim until another call again and how long will we wait for it when I might have a lead?

"This is dangerous and I'm not allowing you to put your safety on the loose like this"

"Humaira, you once warned me against him and I refused to listen. Please don't punish me by not listening to me too. Let me do this"

"But Naeemah.....

"It is my only chance. I brought this upon Raeesa, he knew her through me and I won't live with the guilt if something happens to Raeesa knowing I once had a way to prevent it"

Humaira looked at Naeemah's pleading eyes with a reluctant gaze contemplating whether to finally allow her cousin make her own choices or step in for her

"You're sure about this? Humaira asked

"I've never been sure of anything in my whole life. I want to do this and I know I've got this" Naeemah replied

"I trust you do. You go, I'll cover up for you here" Humaira said giving her a quick hug

"Thank you Maimai"

"All the best"

Humaira watched as Naeemah raced to the back door to go stop a taxi and head to meet Mr Yaari. She just hope her cousin stay safe and succeed in her mission. Naeemah is allowed to make a decision for herself and go towards it even if it is risky just like Humaira was.
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Naeemah anxiously bit her lips as the car drew nearer and nearer to where she's meeting Mr Yaari. She called him minutes back and told him she really wants them to meet as the predicament of her best friend is affecting her. She knows it's a lie, but this lie might save her best friend.

She was snapped to reality when the taxi driver informed her they have arrived. She paid, thank him and alighted immediately spotting Mr Yaari's car. Taking a deep breath, she mentally prepared herself and walked over to him

"Hey" Naeemah said getting into the car

"Hey, how are you? Mr Yaari asked as she resisted the urge to strangle him. She never felt so much anger towards someone like she does now

"I'm good, how are you?

"Ohh I'm fine"

"And how the job you wanted to sort? She asked trying to hide the edge in her voice

"It's done. We have achieved it"

"Great. Why don't we grab something" She said with a forced smile

"Good idea. Let's go" He replied as he turned on the ignition

"Hey can you please help me with your phone. I want to call Humaira and I'm out of airtime" Naeemah said when Mr Yaari pulled over. Without thinking deep into it, He handed her the phone and went out.

Minutes later, Mr Yaari went to buy them snacks when Naeemah decided it was time to act. She quickly brought out her phone and went through his own call logs. With sweat dripping down her neck, she anxiously scrolled until she came across what she's looking for. The number stared at her, taunting her, hunting her, mocking her, shattering all her life's dream. Wanting not to be dramatic, she moved to his messages. Even though she's feeling guilty of prying into his messages, she knew she had to see if he communicates with others on a different line.

As Naeemah goes through the messages, not only did she meet what might save her friend but also met what might drown her into abyss of dangerous thoughts.

It is words but it felt like daggers as she read them. Each slicing through her heart, punching through her soul and draining her energy. She suddenly felt tired, bruised and pained.

And about Naeemah her best friend, don't worry about her. She's so pathetic, obsessed with me and her little fairytale life. I can easily send her off the trail even though I know she'll never figure sh!t out.

And for the first time, Naeemah really understood the saying "Drowning in endless pit of nothingness "

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