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Chapter 101 - An Alliance of Two Nations

Scene 1 — Arrival in Ankara

The large blue-and-white Turkish government jet touched down on the runway of Ankara Esenboğa International Airport. The morning sun reflected on the polished metal, and a soft gust of cold Turkish air rushed across the tarmac. The airport was decorated with the flags of Pakistan and Türkiye, lined side by side along the VIP corridor.

Inside the plane, the Pakistani delegation was fastening their seatbelts for landing.

Haroon, dressed in his black ATS protocol uniform, adjusted the communication earpiece in his ear.

"Team Alpha, confirm comms," Haroon said softly.

"Alpha-1 ready."

"Alpha-2 ready."

"Alpha-3 ready."

Haroon nodded with professional calmness. Behind him, some ministers were fixing their ties and coats, whispering among themselves.

Prime Minister Khalil Khalid Yousufi, wearing a crisp dark sherwani and green tie, stood up from his seat. His expression was dignified yet warm, knowing the entire world's media was waiting outside.

"Haroon, everything clear?" PM Khalil asked.

"Yes sir, Turkish security forces will receive us at the base of the stairs," Haroon briefed. "President Kemal Burak Orhan's special security unit is already in position."

PM Khalil smiled. "Good. Today marks another chapter of friendship."

The aircraft door opened. Cold Turkish air rushed inside.

A Turkish military band began playing the Pakistani national anthem as the PM stepped out. Turkish honor guards stood in tall formation, dressed in their signature sky-blue uniforms and white helmets.

At the end of the red carpet, President Kemal Burak Orhan waited, wearing a navy-blue suit, tall, dignified, with steel-gray hair and a calm, charismatic smile.

The two leaders shook hands warmly.

"Welcome to Türkiye, Prime Minister Yousufi," President Orhan said with his deep accented voice.

"Thank you, President Orhan. It's an honor to be here," PM Khalil replied with heartfelt sincerity.

Haroon stood a few steps behind them, eyes scanning the entire region — rooftops, crowds, gates, security units — every angle mattered.

---

Scene 2 — Presidential Convey Departure

As soon as formal greetings ended, the entire group walked toward the motorcade.

Turkish presidential guards signaled, "Devam edin! Move!"

Haroon walked beside Turkish Chief of Security, Captain Selçuk Aydin, a tall, stern officer with sharp eyes.

"Your team will take the right flank. Our snipers have secured all visible rooftops. No threats detected so far," Captain Selçuk briefed.

"Good," Haroon replied. "My team will monitor the road from convoy positions."

The motorcade rolled out — two armored limousines, eight escort vehicles, and three motorcycles. Crowds on the streets waved Pakistani and Turkish flags, shouting:

"Türkiye–Pakistan Dostluğuuuu!"

"Long live friendship!"

Inside the presidential car, PM Khalil looked outside in appreciation.

President Orhan smiled. "Our nations have stood together through decades. Today we strengthen this even further."

PM Khalil nodded. "Our people trust this bond. And we trust you."

Their conversation was calm, respectful, full of diplomatic warmth.

---

Scene 3 — Çankaya Presidential Mansion

The convoy reached the magnificent Çankaya Mansion, the official residence of the Turkish President. Majestic architecture, large marble pillars, fountains — everything signaled power and history.

Haroon instructed his team, "Positions. Maintain distance but eyes open."

Inside the main hall, decorated with golden chandeliers, a formal ceremony took place.

Two young Turkish children dressed in traditional Anatolian clothes stepped forward holding flowers.

One said in Turkish,

"Pakistan halkına sevgi ve saygılarımızla."

(With love and respect for the people of Pakistan.)

PM Khalil bent down warmly, "Thank you, my child."

Applause echoed across the hall.

---

Scene 4 — The Closed-Door Bilateral Meeting

After a short break, the Pakistani and Turkish delegations entered a large conference hall. The door closed behind them.

Haroon stayed outside with the security teams. Despite calm surroundings, he remained alert. Every 30 seconds, he checked corners, watched guards, analyzed exits.

Inside the hall:

President Orhan said, "Our intelligence teams will deepen cooperation. We share challenges… and destiny."

PM Khalil nodded. "Defense collaboration is our priority. Joint training, drone technology, and cyber security — let's expand."

Foreign ministers took notes rapidly. Officers exchanged documents.

After almost two hours, the meeting concluded with both leaders signing:

The Ankara Strategic Partnership Agreement 2029

Flashes from dozens of cameras lit the room as handshakes took place.

---

Scene 5 — Haroon's Professional Moment

When the ceremony was over, Haroon finally exhaled softly.

Captain Selçuk stood beside him.

"You're very focused," he said with respect.

Haroon smiled faintly. "Training… and duty."

Selçuk folded his arms. "Tomorrow the PM will visit Konya. My team will coordinate with you."

Haroon nodded. "Understood. My team will prepare."

The two officers exchanged a firm handshake — a bond of professionals.

---

Scene 6 — Meanwhile in Islamabad (Amana Superstore)

The same day, at 12:00 noon in Islamabad, Rimsha was walking through the newly renovated Ladies Section with a checklist in hand.

"Girls, please align these new arrivals properly," Rimsha instructed.

A worker asked, "Madam, do you think there will be rush today?"

Rimsha smiled. "Always. Our store never sleeps."

Imran entered from the warehouse side, holding an inventory file. His eyes naturally searched for her. He didn't know why… but whenever Rimsha smiled, something stirred inside him.

"Rimsha," he called gently, "the suppliers' list is ready. Should I email it?"

"Yes, please. Also check the stock of kids' shirts," she replied without looking up, busy writing.

A moment later she looked at him.

"Imran, everything okay? You look tired."

He blinked, caught off guard. "Uh—yes. I'm fine."

She narrowed her eyes. "No you're not. Go drink water. You haven't taken a break."

Imran softly smiled — he loved that she cared.

"Okay… boss," he joked.

Rimsha smiled back. Her heart felt warm for a second, but she quickly refocused.

"Go," she insisted. "I'll handle this area."

Their silent attraction was growing, neither fully understanding it yet.

---

Scene 7 — Maryam at Home with Children

Maryam was at home, sitting with Ubaid and Irfan on the sofa. Turkish news was playing live on TV — showing PM Khalil landing in Ankara.

"Look boys," Maryam said proudly, "your Baba is standing right beside the Prime Minister."

Irfan stared at the screen, excited. "Mama look! Baba is so serious!"

Ubaid laughed. "He's working, silly. That's how officers stand."

Maryam smiled, but inside her heart she felt a familiar fear — security missions always made her uneasy. Yet she hid it from her boys.

"Your Baba is very brave," she said, softly touching their heads.

"And he always comes home safely. Always."

Her words were for them… and for herself.

---

Scene 8 — State Dinner at Presidential Palace

Back in Türkiye, night approached. The Ankara Presidential Palace glowed in beautiful warm lights.

A grand table was set for the state dinner — gold-patterned plates, crystal glasses, and Turkish carpets in every corner.

President Orhan entered with PM Khalil. Photographers clicked rapidly.

Haroon stood with his team near the pillars, observing the hall. His eyes scanned every person entering.

A Turkish official whispered to Haroon,

"You can relax a bit. This is a safe place."

Haroon replied calmly,

"There is no such thing as a safe place in my duty."

The official nodded, impressed.

At dinner, President Orhan raised his glass.

"To Pakistan — our brother nation."

PM Khalil raised his glass.

"To Türkiye — our eternal friend."

The hall echoed with applause.

---

Scene 9 — Late-Night Turkish Streets

After dinner, the convoy returned to the hotel.

Haroon checked every security post. His team stood ready. Turkish officers saluted him respectfully.

One officer said,

"Sir Haroon, Ankara respects your dedication."

Haroon nodded. "Thank you."

Inside his room later, Haroon finally loosened his uniform collar. He sat on the edge of the bed and quietly whispered:

"Ya Allah, keep my family safe."

His thoughts drifted to Maryam… Ubaid… Irfan.

Their smiles gave him strength.

---

Scene 10 — Islamabad Night Routine

Meanwhile, in Islamabad at 11 PM, Amana Superstore was closing. Workers were leaving after the final headcount.

Rimsha locked the main shutters. Imran stood beside her.

"You should go home safe," he said gently.

"You too," she replied.

A soft silence followed.

Imran wanted to say something… but held back.

"Good night, Rimsha," he finally said.

She smiled softly. "Good night, Imran."

They walked to their separate cars, but their hearts walked in the same direction — toward each other, unknowingly.

---

Scene 11 — Turkish Hotel Balcony (Haroon's Reflection)

Haroon stepped out onto the hotel balcony, overlooking Ankara's night lights.

His phone buzzed — a voice note from Maryam.

"Haroon… we saw you on TV today. Ubaid and Irfan were so happy. I'm proud of you. Come back safely. We miss you."

Haroon closed his eyes.

His heart felt full.

"Ya Allah," he whispered to the sky,

"Thank you… for everything."

Tonight was peaceful.

Tomorrow, diplomatic missions would continue.

But for now — Haroon felt calm.

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End of Chapter

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