{"id":388,"date":"2026-03-18T04:53:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T04:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/?page_id=388"},"modified":"2026-03-18T04:53:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T04:53:30","slug":"chapter-29-rounding-up-the-villains","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/?page_id=388","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 29 : Rounding up the Villains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cI just want to survive for my children.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \u201cYou\u2019re going somewhere, Sheikh Sahib?\u201d Fiaz-ul-Muhabat asked as he indicated the luggage stacked up in the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWe\u2019re going to the fair,\u201d Zakiya said quickly. \u201cThis is just a bit of spring cleaning, sending some bits and pieces back home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cSpring cleaning in fall?\u201d Rafiq Afridi smirked. \u201cAnd what about you, Mirza Ali? Where do you think you\u2019re going today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cTo the fair, Rafiq Sahib<\/em>!\u201d the man stammered, clearly terrified by the sudden raid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cAnd who are these two men?\u201d Clooney asked, indicating the two Arabs who stood back watching this strange intrusion. \u201cThey were with you at the meeting at Tariq Khan\u2019s house on the farm yesterday; weren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cThese gentlemen are my guests from Jeddah! Why are you acting so weird!\u201d Sheikh Sahib <\/em>snarled. \u201cWe welcomed you into our home; what is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cPerhaps you could enlighten us, Sheikh Sahib<\/em>! What\u2019s going on?\u201d Clooney replied assertively. \u201cPerhaps you can begin with the chain of events that led to the brutal murder of my son, Ron!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cAnd the kidnapping of my son Ahmad, who has been held by your people for five long years!\u201d Chief Naseer Husain added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWhat are you talking about? \u201d the man was red in the face. \u201cI have been a generous benefactor to the people of this area. They run to me when they\u2019re in need or have a problem. I don\u2019t appreciate your questions and behavior! Please leave my house immediately!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cNot before you answer our questions,\u201d Clooney shot back. \u201cOr perhaps, your man Mirza Ali will tell us what we want to know!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re insinuating!\u201d the man shouted. \u201cWhat I do know is that I have diplomatic immunity, and you aren\u2019t treating me right. I\u2019m going to call my ambassador immediately and inform him of your unfriendly conduct!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               Shahzad walked up to the man he once had so much respect for and kicked the phone out of his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cHow dare you, stupid punk?\u201d the man raged, standing up to strike Shahzad. \u201cGet out! Get out before I throw you out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cI dare!\u201d Shahzad shouted. \u201cI dare for the innocent people who you subjugate through deceit, while you live in the lap of luxury, benefitting from the Western culture you profess to despise!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cAnd I have the official sanction of my government and yours to conduct this raid. Your antics have been observed for some time now; I\u2019m placing you and your wife under arrest! And these two guests of yours!\u201d Clooney announced. \u201cYou can resist or come quietly; what would you prefer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               The man\u2019s bluster evaporated, and he looked like a deflated balloon when he saw the handcuffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cI have done nothing!\u201d Zakiya protested, \u201cYou cannot arrest me for something I haven\u2019t done!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cThat\u2019s not what Gulnoor told us,\u201d Rafiq reminded. \u201cYou did visit her yesterday with Mirza Ali, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cLike my husband, I do a lot of charity work; what does that half-dead fool know anyway?\u201d she hissed viciously, backing away from the men who were ready to handcuff her. \u201cYou cannot touch a woman! You dare not put your hands on me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cAs you please,\u201d Shahzad replied and stepped out to signal for female reinforcements. Zakiya was stunned when Safia, Aisha, and Zeina stepped in with a couple of tough women cops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cMy daughter and I came to see your evil faces!\u201d Safia stated as the woman struggled at seeing the handcuff. \u201cYou\u2019re a mother, Zakiya! How could you have allowed me to suffer all these years when you could have ended my pain with just a word? My son was meant to die today and take many innocent lives with him! I pray Allah has a special place in Hell for you and your husband!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cYou\u2019re people my father considers close friends,\u201d Zeina glared at the couple in disgust. \u201cHe\u2019ll be shocked by what you\u2019ve done!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                There were no more words as the couple and their guests boarded a chopper that took them to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The house, which the Saudi couple would never see again, was sealed and guarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A shivering Mirza Ali was escorted to the local military base to answer questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWhere are Mullah Shaheen and Abdullah?\u201d he was asked repeatedly, and all he could say was, \u201cI don\u2019t know! I swear I don\u2019t know!\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A lot had happened since the fair that morning. Ahmad had passed out, and it was Shahzad who had caught him as he fell. As Fiaz-ul-Muhabat tackled Qasim, he was stabbed a couple of times before his strong arms snatched the knife out of Qasim\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cI couldn\u2019t see Ahmad taken away again. We\u2019ve done so much to get him back and to see him hurt and lost was something I couldn\u2019t allow. I realized that confronting Qasim was the only option for me,\u201d Fiaz explained to the chief at the hospital. Ahmad was also given first aid and handed to his father and mother after a day in the hospital to help him regain his strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The parents couldn\u2019t believe their precious son was back with them after five long torturous years of wondering and searching. Safia could not stop hugging and kissing her son, while the more reserved chief patted Ahmad over and over; as if he was trying to make sure he was real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                It was very confusing for Ahmad to understand what had happened. He assumed he was to die to be with his parents again. And yet, here he was, as alive as they were. Rebecca was the only one whom he recognized, and she explained to him a little bit about what was going on. He had been brainwashed for years by his Taliban captors, and it was impossible for him to make connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               Ahmad was not used to independent thought, and his parents could see he was going through a difficult time understanding and adjusting. His persistent training to think only in a certain way from such an early age did not allow the introduction of new, unwanted thoughts and ideas to change the attitudes, values, and beliefs that he had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                As soon as Ahmad was in safe hands, the CIA had taken charge. They had been able to extract enough information out of Qasim, who squealed like the coward he was once the pressure was on. Mirza Ali sang like a bird, too, and they had all the information they needed to raid various Talib-e-Azad hideouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

               A crack team had gone back into the mountains in search of missing leaders. Their Intel was so good that within hours, the Lashkar came across five insurgents sitting around a campfire warming their icy hands. Winter was coming to the region, and it was cold in the mountains. Wrapped in thick shawls and pakols pulled low over their heads, the men were not expecting visitors, and their weapons stood against the cave wall, far from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A scuffle ensued, and the soldiers quickly apprehended the men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cWhat do you want from us? We\u2019re simple farmers?\u201d the leader begged, feigning innocence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cSimple farmers, really?\u201d the colonel asked sarcastically. \u201cI recognize you, Tariq Khan, a farmer, you may be, but you aren\u2019t simple!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWhere\u2019s Mullah Shaheen?\u201d countered Yousef, who had insisted on joining the raiding party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Caught by surprise, the man stared at Yousef.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cYou think you can just come here and be saviors?\u201d Tariq Khan raged, remaining defiant as he struggled to break free from his restraints. \u201cAll you have caused by coming here is trouble.\u201d                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cIf you move, the bullet will go right through you, and I won\u2019t regret it a bit,\u201d Yousef kicked the insurgent in the knees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               Tariq Khan staggered before he quickly straightened himself, trying to ignore the burning pain in his kneecaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cYou caused more trouble by killing innocent people,\u201d Khalid shouted. \u201cYou\u2019re unhappy on the land that was given to you to make a conversion of your life for better; instead, you choose to betray the people who trust you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cInnocent? All infidels and people who work for them need a lesson,\u201d one captive snarled like a cornered wild dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cIs that so, Mullah Jamali,\u201d Clooney countered. \u201cIs that why you\u2019re running away like a frightened woman?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                He got no answer and laughed, \u201cWhat are you doing here, Zain? Are you going to be the next suicide bomber for these cowards who use youngsters to commit their crimes? Don\u2019t be a fool! Tell us where Mullah Shaheen is!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d the young man cried, and his teeth began to chatter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cTake the boy away,\u201d the colonel ordered. \u201cHe isn\u2019t one of them; we\u2019ll try to rehabilitate him and save him from being killed or becoming a monster!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cYour rule here is short-lived; in time, you\u2019ll be rejected and thrown out by the people,\u201d Yousef taunted the insurgents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Jamali scoffed. \u201cIf not here, we have lots of other fertile places where we can sow our seeds, and we\u2019ll take a few of you with us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The four captives stood quietly in a line, stubbornly holding their heads high. Hatred was written all over their faces, but there was no fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPerhaps you\u2019d like to tell us where Mullah Shaheen is, Kamal Rehman?\u201d Clooney asked the man who was surprised to be identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Kamal remained silent, and Clooney said: \u201cHow about you, Shamsher Khan, would you like to tell us where Mullah Shaheen is?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               There was silence, and the colonel signaled one of his men. The soldier nodded and moved in front of the four prisoners. He brought the butt of his rifle down on the foot of the first man, who squealed and hopped around in pain.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWait, wait, what do you want from us?\u201d Shamsher Khan retorted, realizing that any injury to his foot would negate an escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cShamsher Khan, I\u2019ve been following you for quite some time,\u201d Yousef admitted. \u201cWe know all about your dealings with the Saudis and the Taliban. We know about Sheikh Sahib also; he was arrested earlier today along with his wife!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               Shamsher Khan just stood quietly; his mind concentrated on his chance of escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cWhere\u2019s Mullah Shaheen?\u201d Clooney asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cLast I heard he and his remaining friends were going south to Syria. You\u2019ll never find him here,\u201d Shamsher replied proudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cGoing but not gone. Tell me where Shaheen is right now.\u201d Clooney signaled his man to once again deal with Kamal, who was still moaning from the pain of his broken foot. \u201cTry the other foot this time!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cNo! No! He was going to meet his sister at the hospital today, most probably right now,\u201d interjected Kamal, who could barely manage one shattered foot, let alone two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cShut your mouth, you coward!\u201d Shamsher shouted, and a butt of a rifle hit him in the jaw to stop him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cTake them away,\u201d Clooney shouted. \u201cLeave the talker with me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               The illness and its accompanying helplessness had made such changes in Gulnoor. In her mind\u2019s eye, Rebecca could still see her from the early days of her capture, when Gulnoor moved around their camp as if she owned the place; how different she had looked back then. One thing Rebecca had learned from all her experiences here was that nothing remains permanent. She, too, had become so much less demanding; how she wished Ron could see her now: he would approve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               Gulnoor looked weak and tired. There were dark circles around her eyes, and her fair face had dark blotches. Today was another chemotherapy session; she felt sick and fatigued but had to bear this treatment for the next two months if she wanted to survive. Safia had sent a little food for the patient; she knew from Rebecca that Gulnoor had been like a mother to Ahmad and, in turn, she was now glad to look after Mohammed until Gulnoor was ready to take care of them again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cDon\u2019t worry, everything will be all right,\u201d Rebecca hugged Gulnoor, holding her other hand, which did not have the IV drip. \u201cYour boys are in good hands, for now. Get well for them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cI just want to survive for my children,\u201d Gulnoor whispered, tears forming in her eyes. She managed a weak smile as a tiny tear escaped from her eye. What had happened? She came here this morning with Ammi and found Rebecca waiting for her. She had a million questions to ask but knew Rebecca would tell her everything in good time; besides, she lacked the energy to probe right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               The chemotherapy cubicles had patients with IV needles in their arms. Everyone had relatives around them, and Rebecca saw the benefit of this strong social structure during this difficult time. It was important for Gulnoor to be supported by family too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               Rebecca was about to find Dr. Zara to ask her about the patient\u2019s progress when she saw a familiar man limping through the doorway. At the same time, her phone rang, and she turned her face and drew the curtain of the cubicles hoping the man had not seen her.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cRebecca!\u201d Chief Naseer spoke on the phone. \u201cMullah Shaheen is visiting the hospital right now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cYes, I just saw him walk in!\u201d she whispered, not wanting to disturb Gulnoor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cTry to get out of there; my men are about to grab him. Please be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cChief, we have to get him here,\u201d she insisted. \u201cI\u2019ll hold him if I have to!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cHe\u2019s a dangerous man, Rebecca; you know that. He would not think twice about hurting you or killing you. He could take you as a hostage again. Don\u2019t take any chances,\u201d cautioned Chief Naseer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cChief, you get your men here. I\u2019ll hold him till then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Rebecca hung up, feeling the situation had given her renewed energy. She had to make a last attempt to stop this madman who had turned too many lives upside down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

               \u201cThis is my chance; he won\u2019t do anything stupid in front of others…or would he? I have to stop him whatever the consequences!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cI just want to survive for my children.\u201d               \u201cYou\u2019re going somewhere, Sheikh Sahib?\u201d Fiaz-ul-Muhabat asked as he indicated the luggage stacked up in the hallway.                \u201cWe\u2019re going to the fair,\u201d Zakiya said quickly. \u201cThis is just a bit of spring cleaning, sending some bits and pieces back home.\u201d                \u201cSpring cleaning … Continue reading Chapter 29 : Rounding up the Villains<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-388","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=388"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/388\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":389,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/388\/revisions\/389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}