Bhopal's evening sky was painted with hues of crimson and gold, a breathtaking sunset reflected in Upper Lake's gentle ripples. Adeeba stood at its edge, lost in thought, her white doctor's coat fluttering softly in the breeze. Her eyes, bright as the stars beginning to twinkle above, drank in Bhopal's beauty.
A heart-shaped face with high cheekbones, a smooth forehead, and a pointed chin catches the eye.
Her skin has a porcelain doll-like complexion with a warm, golden undertone.
Large, expressive almond-shaped eyes with thick lashes sparkle like chocolate diamonds, framed by elegant eyelids, hair remains hidden beneath a sophisticated black hijab.
She wears a sleek black top paired with black pants, creating a sophisticated base layer.
Over this outfit, a crisp white doctor's coat adds a touch of elegance and professionalism.
Standing at around 5'4" with a fit physique, she exudes grace and confidence.
This serene figure stands by the lake's gentle waters, a perfect blend of modern style and natural beauty – a captivating sight to behold.
As she gazed out at the lake, her mind wandered to her dual lives – respected doctor by day, rebellious spirit by night. Her family loved her dearly, yet priority belonged to her career-driven brother. Adeeba's heart ached for acknowledgment, but her spirit remained unbroken.
Meanwhile, in a nearby alley, a masked figure crouched in shadows, weapon raised. His eyes narrowed, focusing on rooftops above – his targets stood guard. The air was thick with tension as he awaited perfect timing.
Adeeba's thoughts drifted back to her day – surgeries performed flawlessly, patients recovering well. Yet, her mind lingered on the void within – a desire for excitement, for passion beyond medicine.
Bhopal's evening streets were calm until gunfire shattered the air. Adeeba's doctor instincts kicked in – she sprinted towards the sound.
A gruesome scene unfolded: one man dead on spot, another bleeding profusely from a head wound. A masked figure fled into darkness. Adeeba rushed to save the injured man.
Suddenly, black-uniformed men emerged, surrounding her with guns drawn. "Step back, ma'am," one commanded.
"I'm a doctor!" Adeeba asserted firmly. "Let me save him!"
The leader hesitated, then nodded curtly. "Treat him, Doctor. But stay back from his face."
Adeeba's curiosity spiked – what were they hiding? She began treating the wound, noticing a glint of metal – a chain around his neck disappeared into his bloodied shirt.
As she worked, Adeeba's mind reeled with questions. The patient stabilized, the men escorted her out – their warning echoed: "This never happened."
---
Adeeba locked herself in her hidden apartment – unknown to colleagues and family, only one friend knew of this sanctuary. She collapsed onto the couch beside...
Isha – her childhood friend turned confidential confidante. Adeeba's eyes still wide with shock.
"Oh my god, Isha... tonight was insane!" Adeeba recounted the events, voice trembling. "Gunfire, dead body, secret agents... and him – injured, mysterious... they hid his face!"
Isha's expression turned grave. "Deb, this sounds dangerous. Tell me everything – every detail."
Adeeba shared every word, gesture, and glint of metal – including the chain around his neck. Isha listened intently, eyes narrowing...
"How do you know this apartment is safe to talk about this?" Isha asked low and serious.
Adeeba smiled faintly. "Because only you and I know it exists – my secret from the racing club and hospital."
Adeeba finally tore her gaze away from the memory, focusing on her friend Isha, who sat beside her in their secret sanctuary.
Isha's eyes were wide with shock and concern. "Adi, what just happened?! Gunfire, dead bodies, secret agents... your face is still pale!"
Adeeba nodded slowly, still processing her emotions. "I know... it was chaotic. One minute I was enjoying sunset by Upper Lake, the next – gunfire and blood everywhere."
Isha grasped Adeeba's hands tightly. "Start from beginning, Adi. Every detail. Leave nothing out."
Adeeba took a deep breath and recounted the entire incident – hearing gunfire, rushing to the scene, finding the injured masked man and dead body, being surrounded by black-uniformed men, treating the wound despite warnings...
Isha listened intently, her expression growing increasingly grave. When Adeeba finished, Isha asked, "Adi, do you realize how dangerous this situation is? These people clearly wanted something hidden."
Adeeba nodded solemnly. "I know, Isha. That's what scares me most – not knowing what I stumbled into or what consequences might follow."
Isha wrapped her arms around Adeeba in a warm embrace. "Adi, breathe... everything will be okay. You're safe now."
Adeeba felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as Isha's calming presence soothed her frayed nerves. She hugged her friend back tightly.
"Sleep, Adi," Isha whispered softly. "We'll face whatever comes tomorrow together. Tonight, just rest."
Adeeba nodded slowly, feeling exhaustion claim her body. Isha guided her to the bedroom, turning down the sheets.
As Adeeba slipped into bed, Isha sat beside her, gently stroking her hair. "Sleep tight, my strong doctor friend. May tomorrow bring clarity."
Adeeba's eyelids grew heavy, her breathing slowing. She whispered barely audibly, "Thanks, Isha... love you."
Isha smiled softly. "Love you too, Adi. Sleep."
The room fell silent except for Adeeba's gentle snores, while Isha watched over her, deep in thought – wondering what secrets tomorrow would uncover.
(Isha gets up slowly and sends a message on her phone)
Isha's message reads: "Incident with Adi. Gunfire, secret agents involved. Dig deeper – discretion advised."
Adeeba's eyes fluttered closed, sleep claiming her exhausted body. But her mind lingered on the intense events of the evening...
As she drifted into slumber, a vivid dream emerged – the masked man she had saved appeared before her eyes. In the dream, his mask was gone, revealing chiseled features and piercing eyes that seemed to see into her soul.
Those mesmerizing eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep intensity – charcoal black, drawing her in like darkness itself. Adeeba felt an inexplicable jolt, her heart racing in the dream.
The man's gaze drew her closer, his eyes burning with an inner fire – intense and unyielding. Adeeba felt herself drowning in their depths, helpless against the strange connection forming.
His face tilted slightly, lips parted – Adeeba sensed he wanted to speak, but voiceless words hung suspended between them. Then, his eyes fluttered closed, and he fell backwards – exactly as he had in reality, unconscious from his wounds.
Adeeba's dream self reached out, hesitant fingers brushing against his forehead – warm skin beneath her touch. Suddenly, she was back in her own body, sleeping fitfully – yet her mind clung to those haunting eyes...
Her subconscious whispered a single word: "Mine."