The sounds of footsteps above were unmistakable, but Saleem wondered if his mind was hallucinating. Besides, no one could blame it if it would. It had been over 48 hours and all he had received from the Khans was a cup of milk and later a glass of water, which upon his request, they had so graciously doubled. His legs were trembling under him by now, but all he had been worried about were the prayers that he had missed, so he offered them just like that, standing tied to the pillar.

As he focused harder, he could locate just where the footsteps were heading above him. The wooden click proceeded through the entrance, then a rumble of many more followed the leader. It wasn't just a single person who had entered, it was a group. And Saleem was absolutely sure the group would be wearing the Police uniform!

Aqib was helpless as the Police pushed through him and entered his house with Inspector Khalid at the front. He immediately made his way to the lounge and scanned it. Taking a poke here and there as if searching for some a lever that might slide apart a wall.

Aqib hoped against hope that they wouldn't look in the basement, though it seemed to be the only logical place one could hide an escaped felon. Doors on all sides opened as the residents poured out into the lobby, their fear-stricken expressions depicting just how guilty they are.

Inspector Khalid walked through the lobby, passing Aqib's startled wife on his way and pushed open Aqib's room door.

Wherever you are, Saleem, I'll find you.

He searched the room but all in vain. Except a small revolver in the drawer, there was nothing much he could find. As he exited the room, he saw the rest of his men scattered all around the house trying to locate Saleem. That's when his eyes laid upon the door. It was simple and painted white- the exact same color of the walls. The walls gracefully curved at the sides as anyone entered the lounge, hiding the door towards the left as you turned towards the right into the lounge. Only when you looked back at the entrance door was when you saw that white door.

That's it!

Just then, an excited Constable reached for the door.

"Leave the door!" Inspector Khalid ordered. The Constable turned around stunned at him. Khalid's voice had carried louder than he had expected such that everybody in the room was now staring at him.

"I'll go look inside myself."

Inspector Khalid walked briskly towards the door and gave a stern look to the Constable.

"Check all the rooms and the roof!"

A loud and authoritative voice carried from the top of the stairs down to Saleem. A wave of uncertainty and fear travelled through his body. Saleem had just a few more seconds before he got caught. He pulled hard at the ropes that bound him but all in vain. The thick muscular legs that were donning a Police uniform descended down the stairs and the trunk of the man became visible.

Saleem stood there with his eyes wide open despite being sleep deprived. His chest heaved with every scared breath that he took. The Police man made his way towards Saleem with a dead expression in his eyes that stared back at Saleem's.

"It is you!" The Police man exclaimed.

"What do you mean?" Saleem tried to buy time. He could not believe he had lost the battle so early. He looked around for possible options of escape.

"You don't remember me, do you?" The Police man said apologetically.

Saleem could not comprehend what this meant but tried to register the stern face standing in front of him. As far as he could remember, he hadn't seen this man in prison ever before. But after a few more moments, it dawned upon him. Saleem's eyes widened with shock at the revelation. His mouth opened but he was unable to produce words.

After a few moments of stammering, "Khalid!" was all that he could manage.

"Yes, it's me. Your friend who let you in his house when you had run from yours and were living on the streets."

Saleem could remember him clearly now. Except the new addition of a moustache, Khalid's face had barely changed. All his childhood and adolescent moments flashed before his eyes while he gazed at the welcoming face that had helped him live. He felt ashamed of what he had become once he had left Aqib's house.

"There's no time to explain. I came here as soon as I heard a Saleem had escaped and volunteered to pick up the case. I am glad I found you, brother."

Saleem could not believe his luck. He had barely had a friend in all his life and he comes to save him when he needs him the most! The Imam was right: God tests you with hardships but does not require much more than resolution from your side. Once you succeed in your part, the solution comes from God Himself who is the greatest Helper.

"I am gonna have to leave you here, Saleem. But I'll get you out of here as soon as I can." Khalid patted him on his back and then ascended the stairs. When he appeared on the other side, questioning eyes were staring back at him.

"All clear." He said.

-Did anyone see that coming? lemme know through your comments about what you feel regarding this new revelation.

Tentative date for next update: 4th August, 2017. :)